Semi-Trailer Steering Lock Coupling for Inloader Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inloaders face challenges in transporting elongated materials like glass panels exceeding previous dimensions, requiring costly and labor-intensive safety measures due to limitations in steerable axle lines and independent wheel suspensions, which do not adequately address the swing-out dimension requirements of §70 STVZO.
Innovation Solution
A semi-trailer design with a robust, reliable, and space-saving steering lock coupling, where all wheels on one side of the chassis are coupled for rectified steering, using an Ackermann steering mechanism and rocker arms, allowing for improved maneuverability and cornering behavior, and incorporating a hydraulic connection for transverse tie rod operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If steerable axle lines with tie rods running transversely are used, then maneuverability is improved, but the design is not permitted with inloaders due to the special shape of the chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into individual wheel suspensions, each with its own steering mechanism, rather than using a conventional transverse tie rod system. This segmentation allows each wheel to be steered independently while accommodating the special inloader chassis shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering mechanism is reconfigured from a transverse arrangement to a longitudinal arrangement, with tie rods running in the direction of travel rather than across the width of the vehicle. This dimensional change allows the steering system to fit within the constraints of the inloader chassis.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual wheel suspensions are used for each wheel, then the special chassis shape is accommodated, but steering options are lacking and §70 STVZO recommendations cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The individual wheel suspensions are merged with steering mechanisms to create combined suspension-steering assemblies. Each wheel suspension includes an integrated steering mechanism with control levers and tie rods, providing both suspension and steering functions in a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel suspension system is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the vehicle weight, providing suspension travel, and enabling steering. The control levers and tie rods serve both suspension and steering purposes, making the system multi-functional.
3Stability of the object's composition
If all wheels on one side are coupled for rectified steering, then cornering behavior is improved and stabilized, but the coupling mechanism adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism uses the natural motion of the wheels during cornering to automatically adjust and stabilize the steering angles. The mechanical coupling between adjacent wheels causes them to self-adjust their steering angles relative to each other, providing stable cornering behavior without requiring complex active control systems.
4Volume of moving object
If the tie rod runs in the longitudinal direction, then space is saved and the design accommodates the chassis, but wheel steering movements during suspension travel must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The tie rod connection points are positioned such that the tie rod remains substantially parallel to the chassis during suspension travel. This equipotential positioning ensures that vertical motion of the wheels does not induce unwanted steering movements, maintaining straight-line stability while allowing the tie rod to run in the longitudinal direction.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a semi-trailer, in particular an inside loader, with a chassis (6) which has a coupling device (14), in particular a kingpin, for connection to a tractor unit at a front end section (12) in the direction of travel and at least one axle line (28) at a rear end section in the direction of travel, wherein each axle line (28) is formed by one wheel (30, 32, 34) on the left and one on the right, each arranged on the chassis (6) in independent wheel suspension. According to the invention, each of the wheels (30, 32, 34) is designed to be steerable by means of a kingpin steering system.