Spherical Trailer Jack Wheel Assembly for Easy Hitch Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer jack wheels, particularly caster wheels, limit the mobility of trailers, making it difficult for a single individual to align the trailer coupler with a vehicle hitch, and require additional assistance for coupling.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly for trailer jacks featuring a spherical main ball within an outer shell, facilitated by a bearing for relative motion and a lock for retention, allowing the wheel to move in any direction parallel to the ground, coupled to the trailer jack via a coupler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a caster wheel is used in the trailer jack, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the mobility and ease of alignment are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional caster wheel with a spherical wheel assembly. The spherical shape allows the wheel to rotate freely in any direction, enabling the trailer to be easily aligned with the vehicle hitch without requiring additional assistance. This curved geometry provides omnidirectional mobility while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a bearing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly incorporates a dynamic spherical design that can adapt its orientation and rotation direction based on the alignment requirements. The bearing mechanism enables the spherical wheel to dynamically adjust its position, allowing smooth and flexible maneuvering of the trailer during coupling operations.
2Productivity
If a conventional caster wheel is used, then the device is simple, but additional assistance is required for coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical wheel configuration enables single-person operation by providing enhanced maneuverability and alignment capability. The sphere's ability to rotate freely in any direction allows the operator to easily position the trailer coupler with the vehicle hitch, eliminating the need for additional assistance and improving overall coupling efficiency.
3Ease of repair
If the main ball is retained permanently in the outer shell, then the structure is simple, but replacement and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into separable components: the outer shell, the main ball, and the retention mechanism. This segmentation allows the main ball to be easily removed and replaced by operating the retention mechanism, such as releasing a clamp or unlocking a retaining structure, while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
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
Enables easy alignment and coupling of trailers to vehicles by a single individual, enhances maneuverability, and allows replacement of the main ball, reducing costs and maintaining ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing coupled between the main ball and the outer shell and configured to allow motion of the main ball relative to the outer shell
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly for use with a trailer jack includes an outer shell defining a main volume. The wheel assembly may further include a main ball configured to be at least partially contained within the main volume of the outer shell and to contact a ground surface. The wheel assembly may further include a bearing coupled between the main ball and the outer shell and configured to allow motion of the main ball relative to the outer shell. The wheel assembly may further include a coupler configured to couple the outer shell to a shaft of a trailer jack. The wheel assembly may further include a lock configured to retain the main ball in place relative to the outer shell.