Swivel Unit Arc Reinforcement Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable support systems for vehicles like trailers and semi-trailers face issues with uneven load distribution, leading to increased weight and susceptibility to crushing stress, particularly in sections where the load is most concentrated, due to uniform sheet thickness and lack of reinforcement in critical areas.
Innovation Solution
The integration of arc-shaped reinforcement members attached to compensating elements within the swivel unit, which are formed from sheet metal and feature protrusions such as circles, triangles, or polygons, enhances stiffness and distributes loads more evenly by eliminating the need for bending and pressing processes, thereby increasing strength and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform sheet thickness is used in the swivel unit, then manufacturing is simplified, but sections under load are subject to crushing stress and require increased weight for strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the sheet thickness in different sections of the swivel unit. Specifically, the lateral walls have different thicknesses: the first lateral wall portion (under load) has greater thickness than the second lateral wall portion. This local variation provides enhanced strength and resistance to crushing stress in critical load-bearing areas while maintaining uniform thickness in non-critical areas, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and structural strength.
2Strength
If extra strength is provided in load-affecting sections, then crushing stress resistance increases, but weight of the support unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing increased sheet thickness only in the first lateral wall portion that is directly affected by the load, while the second lateral wall portion maintains a smaller thickness. This localized reinforcement ensures that extra strength is provided precisely where needed to resist crushing stress, avoiding unnecessary weight increase in non-critical sections, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform sheet thickness is used throughout, then production process remains simple, but load distribution becomes uneven and welded sections承受 excessive loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the lateral walls with different thicknesses in different portions. The first lateral wall portion has greater thickness to bear the brunt of the load, while the second portion has smaller thickness. This non-uniform thickness distribution creates more uniform stress distribution throughout the structure, preventing concentrated loads on welded sections and improving overall reliability while maintaining a relatively simple production process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention proposes a swivel unit (10) for a height-adjustable support of vehicles such as trailers, semi-trailers or the like, comprises a base unit (15) having a base plate (29) for resting on an underlying surface, at least two compensating elements (13a, 13b) which are rollable on the base plate (29), having coaxial openings (19) in which a support tube (12) is rotatably engaged for a pivotable support of the swivel unit (10). Said swivel unit (10) further comprises at least one arc-shaped reinforcement member (20a, 20b) for attachment to said compensating element (13a, 13b) between a longitudinal axis of the support tube and the base plate (29), such that stiffness of the swivel unit (10) is increased.