Steerable Trailer Suspension With Diagonal Cylinder Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension systems for steerable trailers have limited vertical travel and cushioning capabilities, which can lead to reduced performance on highways and rough road surfaces within the North American legal width of 8′-6″.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system featuring rotatable struts, axles, and suspension cylinders connected between the frame and axle, allowing for greater vertical travel and improved cushioning, with far and near suspension cylinders of varying lengths and universal joints to facilitate side-to-side movement and reduce mechanical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional suspension cylinders connected to the top of axles are used, then the structure is simple, but the vertical travel range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single vertical suspension cylinder connection to a two-cylinder diagonal arrangement. The far and near suspension cylinders are positioned at different locations on the axle (one on each side), creating a diagonal configuration that expands the vertical travel range through geometric leverage while maintaining structural manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is divided into two separate suspension cylinders (far and near) instead of using a single conventional cylinder. Each cylinder independently manages suspension on its respective side of the axle, allowing for greater overall vertical travel while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
2Length of moving object
If suspension system components are arranged to maximize vertical travel, then cushioning capability improves, but the trailer width may exceed legal limits
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension cylinders are positioned asymmetrically with respect to the trailer centerline. The far and near cylinders are arranged diagonally across the trailer width, with one cylinder on each side but at different longitudinal positions. This asymmetric diagonal arrangement maximizes vertical travel leverage while keeping the overall trailer width within legal constraints.
3Length of moving object
If suspension cylinders are positioned to improve cushioning, then vertical travel increases, but mechanical interference between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Universal joints are introduced as intermediary components between the suspension cylinders and the axle/frame connections. These universal joints accommodate angular movements and reduce mechanical interference by allowing the suspension cylinders to move through a wider range of motion without binding or contacting other components.
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
The system enhances the range of vertical travel and cushioning, improving trailer performance by accommodating fore, aft, side, and torsional forces, providing better handling and load capacity within the legal width constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The first end of the strut is rotatably connected to the frame and rotatable about a strut rotation axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame
Implementation Method 2
An axle is rotatably connected to the second end of the strut as is rotatable about the said strut longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 3
A far suspension cylinder is connected between the frame and the far side of the axle... A near suspension cylinder is connected between the frame and the near side of the axle
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for a steerable trailer includes a strut which is mounted to the frame of the trailer, an axle which is connected to the strut, and far and near suspension cylinders which connect the axle to the frame. The far and near suspension cylinders connect to opposite side of the axle. Steering rods connect adjacent axles together, the steering rod connection alternating between the left and right side of the frame.