Semi-Trailer Loading Platform With Central Tunnel and Wheel Recesses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semi-trailer support devices have high dead weight, reduced payload efficiency, and are cumbersome to handle, requiring additional securing means.

Innovation Solution

A platform with two side elements and a central tunnel design, featuring wheel recesses and stop elements for lifting, allowing efficient loading and storage with reduced weight and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate pockets for each axle are provided to accommodate wheels, then the semi-trailer can be securely supported, but the dead weight increases and payload efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure support of semi-trailerVSAvoiddead weight of support device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support function for multiple axles into a single integrated base element instead of providing separate pockets for each axle. The base element with its longitudinal I-beam structure can support multiple axles simultaneously, reducing the overall dead weight while maintaining the ability to securely hold the semi-trailer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base element is designed as a universal support structure that can accommodate multiple axles of different semi-trailers. The longitudinal I-beam configuration provides multi-functional support capability, allowing the same structure to handle various loading scenarios without requiring axle-specific pockets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple crossbeams are used to form pockets for each axle, then wheel accommodation is improved, but the structural complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel accommodation capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity of support device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple crossbeam structures into a single integrated base element with longitudinal I-beams. This merging eliminates the need for separate pocket formations for each axle, reducing structural complexity while maintaining adequate wheel accommodation capability through the continuous longitudinal support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If additional securing means are provided to secure the semi-trailer, then safety is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of semi-trailer securingVSAvoidease of handling the support device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base element with its longitudinal I-beam structure provides self-service securing functionality. The structure itself creates natural retention points and stable support surfaces that inherently secure the semi-trailer during loading and transport, eliminating or reducing the need for additional external securing means and simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4516619B1Platform for storing and / or loading semi-trailers, and method for loading semi-trailers
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 TX LOGISTIK AG
  • EP4516619B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4516619B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4516619B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The invention relates to a platform for storing and/or loading semi-trailers, comprising two side elements extending parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other transversely in a transverse direction. The platform further includes a plurality of stop elements arranged on the side elements, as well as a first base element and a second base element by means of which the two side elements are connected to each other transversely. To provide a platform that is lightweight, easy and safe to handle, and flexible in its application, the first base element has a wheel recess adjacent to each of the side elements and a raised central tunnel between the two wheel recesses.