Rotatable Shim Plate System for Trailer Camber Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy haul trailers with cambered support beams face challenges in adjusting camber effectively due to loose shim plates that are not easily accessible when not in use, requiring a more efficient method to adjust camber for varying payloads.
Innovation Solution
A system where shim plates are rotatable between a joint position and a storage position within the structural joint, allowing for easy adjustment of camber in the support beams by positioning them between connection flanges and plates, thereby increasing or decreasing the arch of the support beams based on load requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If loose shim plates are used to adjust camber in structural joints, then the trailer can be adjusted for different payloads, but the shim plates are not easily accessible when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The shim plates are nested within the structural joint assembly, specifically stored in a recess or cavity formed by the connection flanges and plates. This nesting arrangement keeps the shim plates readily accessible when needed while maintaining a compact, integrated structure that does not require separate storage locations elsewhere on the trailer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shim plates of various thicknesses are stored elsewhere on the trailer, then camber can be adjusted for different payloads, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shim plates are pre-positioned and stored within the structural joint assembly itself, rather than being scattered elsewhere on the trailer. This preliminary positioning ensures that when camber adjustment is needed, the required shim plates are already in close proximity and can be quickly selected and installed, significantly reducing the time required for payload accommodation.
3Ease of operation
If a rotatable shim plate system is implemented, then operators can easily adjust camber by rotating shims between storage and joint positions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shim plate system incorporates a rotatable mechanism that allows the shim plates to be dynamically positioned between a storage position (when not needed) and a joint position (when camber adjustment is required). This dynamic capability enables easy access and installation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the rotation mechanism utilizes existing structural elements like pins or axles integrated into the connection flanges.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer having a hitch assembly, a deck assembly, an axle assembly and a structural joint positioned between the deck assembly and the axle assembly is provided. The deck assembly having a first support beams and a second support beams supporting decking. The first support beam and the second support beam can have a positive camber. At least one shim plate can be rotatable between a joint position, wherein the at least one shim plate is positioned in the structural joint, and a storage position, wherein the at least one shim plate is rotated out of the structural joint to adjust the amount of camber in the support beams.