Split Trailer Sliding Channels for Reliable Interlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing split trailer designs are limited in their ability to efficiently interlock and separate trailer parts, leading to complex and unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
The design features two identical trailer parts with slide channels and rollers for smooth engagement, allowing for easy interlocking and separation, and includes a lift axle and twist locks for secure attachment, enabling rapid and reliable connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional interlocking mechanisms are used to connect trailer parts, then the connection can be achieved, but the complexity and reliability of the connection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer is divided into separate modular parts that can be independently assembled and disconnected. Each trailer part has its own bogey positioned at the rear end, allowing them to be separated and reconnected easily without complex interlocking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
When two trailer parts need to be connected, their rear ends are brought together and merged into a single unit. The bogeys from both trailer parts are positioned together at the combined rear end, creating a unified structure without requiring complex connection mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If bogeys are repositioned between trailer parts during interlocking, then the connection can be achieved, but the time and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bogeys are pre-positioned at the rear end of each trailer part before connection. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming bogey repositioning operations during the interlocking process, as the bogeys are already in their correct locations for both separated and connected configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving bogeys during connection, the design inverts the approach by having bogeys remain stationary at the rear ends and allowing the trailer parts to be connected around them. This reversal of the traditional approach simplifies the interlocking operation and reduces time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If trailer parts are designed to be separable, then versatility is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer is segmented into separate trailer parts that can be used independently or combined. Each part has identical structural elements including chassis frames and bogeys, allowing for simple separation and recombination without adding structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each trailer part is designed as a universal module that can function both as a standalone trailer and as half of a combined trailer. The identical design of both parts allows them to be interchangeable and adaptable to different operational requirements without increasing structural complexity.
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
Facilitates efficient use of the trailer as a single unit or two separate units with simple, reliable, and rapid transitions between configurations.
Implementation Method 1
wheeled bogie slidably mounted on the chassis frame for movement between a rearward position on the chassis frame and a forward position on the chassis frame
Implementation Method 2
wheeled bogey slidably mounted on the chassis frame
Implementation Method 3
front end of one trailer part for interlocking the two trailer parts... a pair of opposed inwardly open slide channels are provided at the rear end of each trailer part
Implementation Method 4
front end of one trailer part for interlocking the two trailer parts
Implementation Method 5
rollers on the chassis frame engaging a top of the bogey and rollers on the bogey engaging an underside of the chassis frame
Implementation Method 6
front axle being a lift axle which is movable on the bogey between a lowered wheel ground-engaging operating position and a raised inoperative position
Implementation Method 7
front axle being a lift axle which is movable on the bogey
Implementation Method 8
chassis frame has a front bolster with twistlocks at an inner end of a front engagement portion of the chassis frame... said bolsters abutting upon interlocking of the trailer parts
Implementation Method 9
chassis frame has a front bolster with twistlocks... said bolsters abutting upon interlocking of the trailer parts
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A split trailer (1) includes two associated trailer parts (2, 3) which can be interlocked to form the split trailer (1), or can be separated to form two individual trailers (2, 3). The two trailer parts (2, 3) are similar and interchangeable, and can be connected together to form the split trailer (1) with either of the trailer parts (2, 3) in front or behind the other. Each trailer part (2, 3) comprises a wheeled chassis and a kingpin (5) for attachment to a tractor vehicle in the usual way. The wheeled chassis comprises an elongate chassis frame (6) and a wheeled bogey (7) slidably mounted on the chassis frame (6) for movement between a rearward position on the chassis frame (6), and a forward position on the chassis frame (6).