Rotatable Trailer Carriage for Efficient Multi-Side Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailers incur significant time and financial costs, as well as worker injuries, due to the inefficiencies in loading and unloading heavy or bulky objects, particularly when these operations require manual handling and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A trailer design featuring a rotatable carriage system with powered rotation and braking mechanisms, along with a lift mechanism and dividers, allows for efficient loading and unloading from either side of the trailer, reducing manual handling and ensuring objects remain upright during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading and unloading methods are used, then workers can handle objects, but time consumption and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service loading and unloading through automated mechanisms. The rotatable carriage automatically positions storage units, the lift mechanism automatically raises and lowers objects, and the powered restrictor automatically secures loads, eliminating the need for manual handling and significantly reducing labor time and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling is replaced with an automated mechanical system. The powered carriage rotator uses motors to rotate the carriage instead of manual turning, the lift mechanism uses powered actuators instead of manual lifting, and the powered restrictor uses automated locking mechanisms instead of manual securing, thereby improving productivity and reducing time loss.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling of heavy and bulky objects is performed, then objects can be loaded and unloaded, but worker injuries occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs loading and unloading operations autonomously without requiring workers to manually handle heavy objects. The automated carriage rotation, lift mechanism, and powered restrictor collectively execute the entire loading/unloading process, eliminating physical strain and injury risks for workers while maintaining ease of operation through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system acts as an intermediary between the operator and heavy objects. Instead of workers directly contacting and moving heavy loads, the rotatable carriage with lift mechanism and powered restrictor serves as an intermediate automated system that handles all physical interactions with heavy objects, thereby protecting workers from injuries while maintaining operational ease.
3Productivity
If objects are transported without rotation capability, then loading structure is simple, but loading and unloading from multiple sides is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer structure incorporates dynamic elements to enable multi-side operations. The rotatable carriage can rotate to position storage units facing different directions, allowing loading and unloading from multiple sides. The powered restrictor dynamically adjusts to secure loads during rotation and transit. This dynamic capability enables efficient multi-side operations while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable carriage system provides universal functionality for loading and unloading from any side of the trailer. By rotating the carriage to different orientations, the same storage units can service multiple access points, making the system multi-functional. This eliminates the need for separate loading mechanisms for each side, achieving productivity improvement without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
4Productivity
If objects are not secured during transport, then loading process is faster, but objects move and fall during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The powered restrictor applies preliminary securing action immediately after objects are positioned on the rotatable carriage during loading. This preliminary securing prevents objects from moving or falling during subsequent transit. The system performs both the loading action and the securing action in sequence without significant delay, maintaining loading speed while ensuring object stability through advance securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered restrictor provides self-service securing functionality that automatically activates during or immediately after the loading process. The system monitors the loading state and automatically engages the restrictor to secure objects, eliminating the need for separate manual securing steps. This maintains loading speed while reliably preventing object movement during transit through automated preliminary securing.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer (10) or container (11) includes a frame (12) having a central axis (14) spaced between rear wheels. A plurality of storage supports (20) are supported on the trailer frame, with each storage support supporting a plurality of objects thereon. A carriage assembly (24) rotates the plurality of storage supports. A powered drive (110) rotates the carriage assembly. A powered restrictor (120) limits rotational movement of a respective carriage support during transit. Flexible members 142 and 144 interconnect the drive member and driven members each mounted with respect to a storage support. The container may be transported on a motorized vehicle. A preferred tire support mechanism is provided for use when transporting tires.