Split SPMT Trailer with Folding Widening Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-propelled modular transport (SPMT) trailers face challenges in achieving variable width without compromising stability, often requiring multiple trailers and Power Pack Units, which increases cost and carbon footprint.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of folding widening assemblies with hinged opposing arms and a central aligner allows for adjustable width between longitudinal multi-axle wheel frames, enabling a split variable extension width SPMT vehicle that maintains stability and reduces the need for additional trailers and Power Pack Units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple trailers are used to achieve variable width, then width capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewidth capabilityVSAvoidnumber of trailers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer is divided into two separate longitudinal chassis that can operate independently but connect through widening assemblies, allowing the system to achieve variable width capability through controlled separation rather than using multiple complete trailers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Widening assemblies with hinged folding arms serve as intermediary mechanical linkages between the two longitudinal chassis, enabling controlled width adjustment through the folding/unfolding action of the arms while maintaining structural connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If telescopic bars are used to separate trailers, then width adjustment is improved, but stability deteriorates due to projection from sides

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewidth adjustmentVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of extending structures outward from the trailer sides (telescopic bars projecting outward), the widening assemblies fold inward toward the centerline, with the hinged arms collapsing toward the middle of the trailer when not in use, eliminating side projections that compromise stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinged folding arms of the widening assemblies can be collapsed and nested against the longitudinal chassis or against each other, allowing the width adjustment mechanism to be stored compactly without projecting from the trailer sides

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9834263B1Expanding self propelled modular transport trailers

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 MAMMOET USA SOUTH

AI summary

Provided herein is a split variable extension width self-propelled motorized transporter (SPMT) vehicle including a widening adaptor that allows for variable spacing of split SPMT trailers thus increasing the width of the loading platform without the need to add more SPMTs and Power Pack Units (PPUs).