Synchronized Gate Lifting Mechanism for Multi-Vehicle Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-vehicle trailer systems face challenges such as limited interior height for safe human access, the need for multiple people to operate lifting mechanisms, and safety concerns due to extending actuators, as well as unsynchronized gate movement which complicates the loading and unloading process.
Innovation Solution
A trailer system with a synchronized actuator mechanism and a gate-lifting system that includes both rotational and linear movements, allowing for efficient and safe loading and unloading of vehicles across multiple levels, utilizing a synchronization assembly to ensure synchronized movement of the gate's sides and incorporating a lift system with actuators that maintain structural stability by adjusting their position based on the gate's height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multi-level support structures are used to transport multiple vehicles, then vehicle transport capacity is improved, but interior height becomes too limited for safe human access
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is divided into two independent sides (first gate side and second gate side) that can move separately. Each side has its own actuator mechanism, allowing the interior space configuration to be optimized for vehicle transport while maintaining safe access height through coordinated movement of segmented gate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate movement transitions from simple vertical lifting to a combination of vertical and rotational movements. The synchronization assembly coordinates movement in multiple dimensions, allowing the gate to clear the interior space effectively while maintaining adequate height for safe human access during loading operations.
2Ease of operation
If traditional lift gates with extending actuators are used, then gate lifting capability is achieved, but safety concerns arise from vulnerable actuators and confined space issues
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is segmented into two separate actuator mechanisms (first and second), each responsible for one side of the gate. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single long extending actuator that would protrude into confined spaces, while maintaining full gate lifting capability through coordinated operation of the two shorter actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates the movement of the two actuator mechanisms. It ensures both sides of the gate move simultaneously and evenly, enabling safe and effective gate lifting without requiring actuators to extend beyond the trailer confines.
3Device complexity
If unsynchronized gate movement is allowed, then device complexity is reduced, but operational safety and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization assembly incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and movement of both gate sides. This feedback ensures that the first and second gate sides move in unison, maintaining operational safety and efficiency while the overall system remains relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization assembly merges the control of two separate actuator mechanisms into a single coordinated system. By combining the movement control of both gate sides through this assembly, the system achieves reliable synchronized operation without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle trailering system comprises a towing vehicle comprising a hitch mounting mechanism, and a trailer connectable thereto. The trailer comprises a body defining an interior space sized to fit at least one vehicle and having first and second sets of spaced-apart carrying members attachable to opposite sides of the body, thereby defining respective first and second loading levels. The trailer further comprises a gate movable between the first and second levels along first and second support members. First and second connecting members are respectively attachable to the gate and are operable to movably carry the gate with respect to the first and second support members. The system further comprises an actuator system connected to a synchronization system, which are operable to synchronize the movement of the first and second connecting members along the respective longitudinal lengths of the first and second support members. Associated trailering methods are also provided.