Rotatable Cantilever Trailer Extension for Overlength Cargo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer systems face challenges in transporting extremely long items like wind turbine blades due to limited deck lengths, high regulatory fees for over-length trailers, and increased costs and weight from flip axle assemblies, which restrict load-bearing capabilities and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable cantilever extension for trailers that can be moved from a stow position to a deployed position, supported solely by the primary trailer, allowing for extended deck length without additional axles, and featuring a pull-out bumper extension for further lengthening, reducing regulatory costs and improving cargo capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a flip axle assembly is used to support the extended deck, then the load-bearing capability is improved, but the cost and weight of the trailer assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the axle assembly from the cantilever extension, extracting the unnecessary load-bearing component. The cantilever extension is supported solely by coupling to the primary trailer through the rotatable connection, eliminating the need for additional axles and wheels on the extension itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary trailer's axle system serves multiple functions: it supports both the primary trailer deck and the cantilever extension when deployed. The rotatable connection allows the cantilever extension to utilize the primary trailer's structural support capacity without requiring dedicated support components.
2Strength
If a flip axle assembly is used to support the extended deck, then the load-bearing capability is improved, but the cost of the trailer assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the axle assembly from the cantilever extension, extracting the unnecessary load-bearing component. This elimination of redundant components directly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining load-bearing capability through the primary trailer's support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary trailer's axle system serves multiple functions: it supports both the primary trailer deck and the cantilever extension when deployed. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for duplicate axle assemblies, reducing overall component costs.
3Strength
If a flip axle assembly is used, then the load on the extended deck is supported, but the required turning forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the axle assembly and associated steering mechanisms from the cantilever extension. Without dedicated wheels and axles on the extension, there are no additional steering forces required to turn the extended portion, eliminating the cumulative turning force problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering function is merged into the single primary trailer's axle system. The rotatable connection allows the cantilever extension to follow the primary trailer's turning path passively, combining the steering function into one location rather than requiring independent steering for each section.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the flip axle assembly is in the stow position, then the extended deck can be stored, but the use of the primary trailer deck is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the trailer system into functionally independent segments: the primary trailer deck and the cantilever extension. The rotatable connection allows each segment to operate independently, so the primary trailer deck remains fully accessible and usable regardless of the cantilever extension's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The cantilever extension uses a rotatable connection that allows dynamic positioning between deployed and stowed configurations. When stowed, the extension can be positioned out of the way (e.g., perpendicular or angled), maintaining clearance and accessibility to the primary trailer deck while preserving the ability to deploy when needed.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the flip axle assembly is in the stow position, then the extended deck is stored, but the use of the pullout bumper extension is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the length extension function into two independent segments: the cantilever extension for vertical/dynamic extension and the pullout bumper for horizontal/linear extension. This segmentation allows both systems to operate independently without interfering with each other's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable connection provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the cantilever extension to be moved out of the way when the pullout bumper needs to be used. This dynamic reconfiguration enables both extension mechanisms to be utilized as needed without mutual inhibition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient transportation of overlength cargo by eliminating the need for additional axles, reducing costs and weight, and enhancing steering capabilities while accommodating various cargo lengths, thus minimizing regulatory fees and increasing cargo capacity.
Implementation Method 1
The cantilever extension is rotatably coupled to the primary trailer frame proximate to the rear end, and the cantilever extension is rotatable between a stow position and a deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A cantilever extension for a primary trailer is provided. The primary trailer includes a frame that extends from a hitch end to a rear end, and a primary trailer deck coupled to the primary trailer frame. The cantilever extension includes a cantilever deck. The cantilever extension is rotatably coupled to the primary trailer frame proximate to the rear end, and the cantilever extension is rotatable between a stow position, wherein the cantilever deck is oriented in a substantially face-to-face relationship with the primary trailer deck, and a deployed position, wherein the cantilever deck is oriented substantially co-planar with, and aft of, the primary trailer deck. The cantilever extension in the deployed position is supported solely via coupling to the primary trailer.