Height-Neutral Side-Folding Trailer With Offset Crossbars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor activity trailers face inefficiencies in storage space due to the interaction between lifting rods and wheels during folding, necessitating increased trailer volume to avoid contact.
Innovation Solution
A side-cross folding trailer design with offset cross-bars and sliders that minimize the movement distance of the hanging rod, ensuring it does not touch the casters during folding, using a structure that includes first and second side frames, cross-bar assemblies, and base frames with sliders and casters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the lifting rod is positioned at the center of the crossbars to ensure stable bottom support, then the structural stability is improved, but the storage volume increases due to the need to prevent contact between the lifting rod and wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting the intersection point of the first and second cross-bars from the vertical central axis towards the second side frame. This asymmetric positioning changes the folding trajectory of the lifting rod, allowing it to move along a path that avoids contact with the casters during storage, thereby reducing the required storage volume while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensional change by implementing a side-cross folding mechanism where the cross-bars fold in a lateral direction rather than simply collapsing vertically. This side-cross folding motion, combined with the offset intersection point, creates a three-dimensional folding path that separates the lifting rod's movement from the casters, enabling compact storage without contact between components.
2Reliability
If the distance between wheels on both sides is increased to prevent contact with the lifting rod, then the contact issue is resolved, but the storage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric offset of the cross-bar intersection point creates an uneven folding mechanism where the lifting rod follows a specific trajectory that naturally avoids the casters. This allows the casters to be positioned closer together during storage without risking contact, thereby improving storage efficiency while maintaining reliable contact avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic folding motion through the side-cross mechanism, where the relative positions of components change continuously during the folding process. The lifting rod dynamically adjusts its position along the offset trajectory, ensuring it remains clear of the casters throughout the motion, enabling efficient compact storage.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a side-folding trailer with a first and second side frame connected by cross bars and a lifting rod at the folding center. The side frames have a base frame assembly connected to the lifting rod. Sliding sleeves on each side of the crossbar set connect to the side frames. The crossbar set includes first, second, fifth, and sixth crossbars with offset centers, minimizing the lifting rod's downward movement. This prevents the lifting rod from interfering with the misaligned and overlapping wheels when folded, optimizing storage. The lifting rod suspending the base frame significantly enhances its load-bearing capacity. The invention relates to outdoor activity equipment and aims to provide a trailer that does not increase in height when folded, ensuring efficient storage and improved load-bearing capacity through its unique design features.


