Sliding Bogie Link Trailer Roller Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sliding bogie link trailers face issues with binding due to load and difficulty in transitioning between collapsed and extended positions, often requiring costly ram installations that can damage the slide mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The use of first and second roller assemblies for sliding engagement between the trailer parts, with rollers mounted on I-beam chassis members to facilitate smooth movement and prevent binding, allowing for easy transition between positions without damaging the slide mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction slide with metal-to-metal contact or rubbing strip is used between trailer parts, then wear is reduced and sliding is facilitated, but the trailer parts tend to bind in the extended position due to load
Solution Approach 1:
Roller assemblies are introduced as intermediary elements between the front and rear trailer parts. These rollers reduce direct friction contact and provide a mechanical advantage system that eliminates binding issues while facilitating smooth transitions between collapsed and extended positions
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics are changed by replacing direct surface contact with roller-based contact. This parameter change from sliding friction to rolling friction fundamentally alters the interaction between trailer parts, eliminating the binding problem while maintaining load-bearing capability
2Ease of operation
If a ram is installed between trailer parts to overcome binding, then the trailer parts can be moved between positions, but the cost of manufacture increases and the slide mechanism may be damaged through forced sliding
Solution Approach 1:
Roller assemblies serve as intermediary mechanical elements that enable position transitions without requiring active ram mechanisms. The rollers provide passive mechanical assistance through their rolling action and geometric arrangement, eliminating the need for expensive and complex ram installations
Solution Approach 2:
The roller assemblies are designed to automatically facilitate sliding through their own geometric configuration and rolling action. The system is self-servicing in that the rollers naturally guide and assist the transition between positions without requiring external power sources or active control mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If rollers are used for sliding engagement, then smooth movement and prevention of binding is achieved, but the device complexity increases compared to simple friction slides
Solution Approach 1:
The roller sliding system is segmented into modular roller assemblies that can be independently manufactured and installed. Each roller assembly is a discrete unit that performs a specific function, allowing for simplified manufacturing and maintenance while achieving the overall goal of smooth sliding engagement
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 roller assemblies enable smooth and efficient sliding between collapsed and extended positions, reducing the risk of binding and eliminating the need for costly ram installations, thus enhancing operational reliability and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
first and second roller assemblies which are provided spaced-apart on the trailer for engagement between said front trailer part and said rear trailer part, said first roller assembly comprising rollers mounted at a rear end of the front trailer part for rolling engagement with a top of an associated roller track on the rear trailer part
Implementation Method 2
the two trailer parts are slidably interconnected by means of first and second roller assemblies... to facilitate smooth movement and prevent binding
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
A sliding bogie link trailer (1) has a front trailer part (2) and a complementary rear trailer part (3) which are slidably interconnected. A kingpin (5) for connection to a fifth wheel of a tractor vehicle is mounted at a front end of the front trailer part (2). The rear trailer part (3) has a pair of axles (6, 7) with ground-engaging wheels (8). A fifth wheel (10) for towing another trailer is mounted at a rear end of the rear trailer part (3). The two trailer parts (2, 3) are slidably interconnected by means of spaced-apart rollers (12, 13, 14, 15) which facilitate smooth sliding interengagement of the trailer parts (2, 3) for movement of the trailer parts (2, 3) between a collapsed stored position and an extended towing position.