Sliding Bogie Trailer Elevator Mechanism for Wheel Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Length adjustable semi-trailers face challenges with height clearance due to high-mounted bolster assemblies, which are unstable and can interfere with wheels during extension and collapse, and also pose issues with container height restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A sliding bogie trailer design with a telescopically movable rear trailer part and an elevator mechanism that lifts the bolster assembly over the wheels, allowing it to move rearward or forward of the wheels, ensuring stable operation and compliance with height restrictions by maintaining the bolster below the wheel level in both positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bolster assembly is mounted high on the trailer to allow it to pass over the wheels during extension and collapse, then the bolster assembly can freely pass the wheels, but the height clearance for containers is reduced and the mounting becomes less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is designed to be engageable only during the dynamic process of extension and collapse, allowing the bolster assembly to be temporarily lifted over the wheels. When the trailer is in static extended or collapsed positions, the ramp disengages and the bolster assembly returns to its normal low mounting position, maintaining stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp is positioned and dimensioned to preliminarily elevate the bolster assembly above the wheels before the trailer completes its extension or collapse motion. This preliminary action ensures the bolster clears the wheels during transition without requiring a permanently high mounting position that would compromise stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bolster assembly is mounted low on the trailer to maintain stability and height clearance compliance, then the mounting is more stable and height restrictions are met, but the bolster assembly interferes with the wheels during extension and collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp acts as an intermediary mechanism between the bolster assembly and the wheels. During extension and collapse, the ramp temporarily mediates the interaction by lifting the bolster over the wheels. During normal operation, the ramp withdraws as an intermediary, allowing the bolster to remain in its stable low mounting position without interfering with the wheels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the trailer parts are extended to carry longer containers, then the carrying capacity increases, but the bolster assembly must pass over the wheels which requires high mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the bolster assembly's vertical position relative to the wheels during extension and collapse motions, enabling the trailer to accommodate different container lengths while maintaining a stable low mounting position for normal operation and compliance with height restrictions.
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 solution enables stable and height-compliant operation of the trailer by maintaining the bolster assembly below the wheel level during both collapsed and extended positions, enhancing stability and compliance with height restrictions, particularly in European maximum height limits.
Implementation Method 1
an elevator to lift the bolster over the wheels for location either rearwardly or forwardly of the wheels
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A sliding bogie trailer (20) has a front trailer part (2) and an associated rear trailer part (3) which are telescopically slidable relative to each other for length adjustment of the trailer (20) to carry container boxes of different length. A ramp (25) is provided on the rear trailer part (3) which is engaged by a roller (26) at a rear end of the front trailer part (2) to lift a bolster assembly (5) at a rear end of the front trailer part (2) over rear wheels (11, 12) when moving the trailer parts (2, 3) between collapsed and extended positions.