Semitrailer Loading Platform Horizontal Orientation on Slopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semitrailers for articulated lorries lack the ability to maintain a horizontal loading platform on steep slopes, particularly during loading and unloading of transport aircraft like the C130, and have limited flexibility due to the non-separable tractor and loading platform structure.
Innovation Solution
A semitrailer design that allows articulation with an independent tractor, featuring a chassis with hydropneumatic suspension and compensating cylinders to maintain the loading platform horizontal on slopes, using a wheeled supporting structure with suspension arms and hydropneumatic cylinders to adjust height and orientation in response to ground irregularities and aircraft ramps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the tractor and loading platform are made non-separable to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates because the semitrailer cannot be associated with independent tractors for flexible articulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable components: an independent semitrailer with its own chassis and loading platform, and an independent tractor. This segmentation allows each unit to function autonomously and be combined flexibly, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and articulation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The semitrailer is designed with universal articulation capabilities that allow it to be associated with different independent tractors. The towing bar with multiple hinging axes enables the semitrailer to work with various tractor types, achieving multi-functionality without increasing inherent structural complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the loading platform is fixed to maintain horizontal position, then stability on slopes is improved, but adaptability to ground irregularities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the loading platform to adapt to ground irregularities while actively maintaining horizontal position. The hydropneumatic cylinders and suspension arms work together to absorb shocks and level the platform, achieving both stability and adaptability through controlled motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the state of the wheels and chassis is continuously monitored, and the hydropneumatic cylinders adjust in response to maintain the loading platform horizontal. This closed-loop control enables the system to counteract ground irregularities while preserving platform stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the towing bar is rigidly connected to maintain platform orientation, then platform horizontal maintenance is improved, but adaptability to steep slopes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The towing bar incorporates multiple hinging axes (first horizontal transversal axis, second horizontal transversal axis, and vertical axis) that enable dynamic articulation. This multi-axis articulation allows the towing bar to adapt to steep slopes and varying terrain while the suspension system actively maintains the loading platform horizontal through coordinated movement.
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
Ensures stability and maintains the loading platform horizontal during transportation and loading/unloading on steep slopes, enhancing stability during airborne transport and preventing wheel overload, while also compensating for pitching and rolling movements.
Implementation Method 1
chassis supported at its forward end by a wheeled supporting structure having suspension arms articulated around spaced horizontal and transversal suspension axes and hydropneumatic suspension cylinders
Implementation Method 2
compensating hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 3
Twin noses project from the towing bar at the back of the first hinging axis and are joined to the forward-end crosspiece through a pair of compensating hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 4
coupling hinged to an end of the towing bar forwardly of the first hinging axis around a second horizontal and transversal hinging axis
Implementation Method 5
towing bar hinged between the free end of the uprights around a first horizontal and transversal hinging axis
Data Source
AI summary
The semitrailer (10) is joinable to a tractor (12) provided with a vertical towing gudgeon (38), is supported at its back end by a wheeled structure (26), and comprises a chassis having longitudinal members (16, 18) and crosspieces (20, 22, 24), which define a horizontal loading platform (P), and further having uprights (28, 30) rising from its forward end. A towing bar (32) is hinged on said uprights (28, 30) around a first horizontal and transversal hinging axis (A). A compensating hydraulic cylinder (46, 48) is articulated between the chassis and the towing bar. A coupling (34) is articulated to the towing bar (32) forwardly of the first axis (A), for hinging around a second horizontal and transversal hinging axis (B), and is provided with a bushing (36) that is transversal to the second hinging axis (B) and is rotatably engageable on the towing gudgeon (38) of the tractor (12).