Stackable Trailer System Modular Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional trailers require significant storage space when not in use and cannot be compactly stored in shipping containers due to their size, even with 'pop-up' designs.
Innovation Solution
A stackable trailer system comprising a platform structure, corner modules, panel modules, a towing bar assembly, a wheel assembly, a deflector module, and a door assembly, designed to be disassembled, folded, and stacked, with components like corner modules featuring recesses for connector accommodation and panel modules made of aluminum for structural rigidity, allowing for efficient storage within shipping containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional trailers are designed with pop-up structures to reduce size, then storage space is reduced to some extent, but they still cannot be stored in compact configurations such as shipping containers
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer is divided into modular components including corner modules with recesses, panel modules, wheel assemblies, and towing bar assemblies that can be independently disconnected and reconfigured. This segmentation enables complete disassembly into compact units suitable for shipping container storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner modules feature upper and lower recesses that accommodate insert connectors, allowing one trailer unit to be nested within another when stacked. This nesting capability enables multiple trailers to be vertically stacked in a compact configuration within shipping containers.
2Ease of operation
If trailers are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then storage convenience is improved, but structural strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The corner modules are pre-formed with upper and lower recesses, and panel modules are pre-drilled with alignment holes. This preliminary preparation of connection features enables quick assembly through simple insert connector placement and bolt insertion without complex alignment procedures, while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert connectors serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection between corner modules and panel modules, enable quick assembly and disassembly operations, and maintain structural strength equivalent to permanent connections. This multi-functionality resolves the trade-off between ease of operation and structural strength.
3Volume of moving object
If trailers are made compact for storage, then storage space efficiency is improved, but accessibility and usability when deployed may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer system transitions dynamically between two states: a compact stacked configuration for storage and a fully deployed configuration for use. The corner modules and panel modules are designed to maintain structural integrity in both states, ensuring that accessibility and usability are not compromised when deployed, while achieving compact storage when stacked.
Data Source
AI summary
Stackable trailer systems and associated methods are provided. In some embodiments, the trailer system includes (1) a platform structure sized in accordance with a dimension of a shipping container; (2) a corner module configured to be positioned at a corner of the platform structure; and (3) a wheel assembly coupled to the platform structure and configured to move the platform structure. The corner module is formed with an upper recess and a lower recess. The upper recess is configured to receive an insert connector, and the lower access is configured to receive a post extending from the platform structure