Self-Loading Mini Dolly with Composite Steel-Aluminum Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-loading tow dollies are heavy due to all steel construction, leading to strain on tow truck operators and potential damage to vehicles during towing, especially for low-clearance and all-wheel drive vehicles, and lack suitable placement options for winching without damage.
Innovation Solution
A self-loading mini dolly system with a dolly frame, deployable front and rear platforms, and wheeled axles, utilizing a leverage bar for height adjustment and cam locks for stability, allowing for compact storage and reduced weight, along with a tow bar and safety chocks for secure winching and towing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all steel construction is used for tow dolly components, then sturdiness and reliability are improved, but weight increases causing operator strain and potential injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining steel components (for structural strength and reliability) with aluminum components (for weight reduction). Specifically, the dolly frame uses steel rails and crossmembers for sturdiness while incorporating aluminum plates and brackets to reduce overall weight, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.
2Strength
If steel components are welded together for sturdy construction, then strength and durability are improved, but weight continues to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials construction where steel components provide structural strength through selective welding while aluminum components reduce weight. The design uses steel rails and crossmembers welded for strength-critical areas, while aluminum plates and brackets are used in non-critical areas to minimize weight, thus resolving the strength-weight contradiction.
3Reliability
If heavy tow dollies are used for sturdiness, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to operator strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials to reduce the overall weight of the tow dolly while maintaining reliability. By using aluminum components for weight reduction in non-critical areas and steel components for structural integrity, the dolly becomes easier for operators to handle and maneuver, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing reliability.
4Productivity
If traditional tow dollies are used, then towing capability is provided, but adaptability to various vehicle types (low-clearance, all-wheel drive) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the dolly height adjustable through a telescoping mechanism with multiple lockable positions. This allows the dolly to adapt to different vehicle types including low-clearance and all-wheel drive vehicles, while maintaining its towing capability. The adjustable height provides versatility without compromising productivity.
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
The mini dolly system reduces operator strain, minimizes vehicle damage during towing, and provides a lightweight, sturdy solution for various towing applications, including vehicles with locked transmissions or low-clearance designs, while enabling safe winching and towing without excessive wear or damage.
Implementation Method 1
a front dolly platform selectively deployable between lowered and raised positions by a leverage bar; a rear dolly platform selectively deployable between lowered and raised positions by a leverage bar
Implementation Method 2
Suitable locking devices are provided for maintaining dolly wheels in desired elevated or lowered positions for storing or towing operations, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A self-loading mini dolly includes a dolly frame; a front dolly arm carried by the dolly frame; a wheeled front axle carried by the front dolly arm; a front dolly platform carried by the front dolly arm, the front dolly platform selectively deployable between lowered and raised positions; a rear dolly arm carried by the dolly frame in spaced-apart relationship to the front dolly arm; a wheeled rear axle carried by the rear dolly arm; and a rear dolly platform carried by the rear dolly arm, the rear dolly platform selectively deployable between lowered and raised positions.