Spherical Trailer Jack for Omnidirectional Movement on Soft Ground
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheeled trailer jacks face difficulties in maneuverability and stability, particularly on diverse ground surfaces, leading to increased effort and potential damage when coupling or decoupling trailers, and existing remote-controlled systems lack versatility and safety features.
Innovation Solution
A trailer jack and transport system utilizing a load-bearing spherical object with 360-degree freedom of movement, supported by a semispherical framework and braking mechanisms, allowing for steerable motion and automated control through a motorized system with GPS and IR guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional caster wheels are used on trailer jacks, then the trailer can be positioned and directed during transport, but it becomes difficult to turn the wheel toward the intended target when starting from a standstill, requiring manual pushing and pulling effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional caster wheel with a spherical ball mechanism. The ball can rotate freely in any direction about any axis passing through its center, eliminating the need for offset axes and caster swing mechanics. This spherical geometry allows the trailer to be easily directed toward the intended target without requiring forceful manual manipulation to overcome wheel resistance or repositioning constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If caster wheels with offset axes are used, then steerable movement is achieved, but the system becomes more complex with multiple axes of rotation and mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical ball eliminates the need for offset axes, caster forks, and multiple rotation mechanisms. A single spherical component provides omnidirectional rotation capability, simplifying the mechanical assembly while maintaining full steerable movement functionality. The ball can be directed along any desired path by rotating it about any axis passing through its center.
3Stability of the object's composition
If larger caster wheels are used to improve stability on soft surfaces, then better support is provided, but the wheel becomes more difficult to turn and maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical ball provides stable contact with soft surfaces through its geometry, distributing load effectively. More importantly, the ball can be easily rotated in any direction by applying minimal force at any point on its surface, eliminating the rotational inertia and friction constraints of conventional wheels. The spherical shape maintains stability while enabling effortless maneuverability.
4Ease of operation
If manual trailer jacks are used, then basic positioning is achieved, but automated control and safety features are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated electronic control systems. Sensors detect the position of the trailer coupler relative to the hitch, and motors automatically adjust the jack and ball position to achieve proper alignment and coupling. This substitution of manual mechanics with automated electromechanical systems provides both basic positioning capability and advanced automated control features.
5Productivity
If conventional trailer coupling methods are used, then trailers can be hitched to vehicles, but increased user effort and potential damage risks are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual coupling operations with automated electromechanical systems that precisely control the positioning and alignment of the trailer coupler with the vehicle hitch. Sensors and motors work together to achieve accurate alignment, reducing the need for forceful manual manipulation that could cause damage to the coupler, hitch, or surrounding components. The automated system completes the coupling operation safely and efficiently.
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
Enhances maneuverability and safety by providing stable, steerable motion on various surfaces and enabling automated hitching and parking operations, reducing user effort and minimizing damage risks.
Implementation Method 1
employing a spherical object, such as a wheel, that is supported within a framework and configured to allow the spherical wheel to freely rotate with 360 degrees of freedom, in any orientation, on bearing surfaces
Implementation Method 2
A trailer jack and transport system utilizing a load-bearing spherical object with 360-degree freedom of movement, supported by a semispherical framework and braking mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer jack and transport system providing improved rolling and steerable motion to sport, recreational and utility trailers, when operating on diverse kinds of ground surfaces, including pavement, dirt, sand, and mud, without use of caster-style wheels. The trailer jack and transport system employs a spherical load-bearing transport ball supported within a frame assembly and configured to allow the spherical wheel to freely rotate in any orientation, on ground surfaces of a diverse nature during system operation.