Tow Assembly Linkage for Trailer Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible trailer/stroller devices require additional parts and tools for conversion between pushed and pulled operations, and they often experience jerky motion when towed, which is uncomfortable for both walking and jogging due to mismatched acceleration and deceleration with the user's gait.
Innovation Solution
A convertible trailer assembly with a steerable third wheel and a unique steering/towing linkage assembly that includes a toggle mechanism to absorb jarring motion and a universal joint for flexible attachment, allowing instant conversion between modes without adding or removing parts, and a brake system to regulate speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional trailer is towed behind a bicycle or by a jogging user, then the trailer can be transported, but the motion is jerky and incompatible with jogging due to constant acceleration and deceleration matching the user's gait
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the hitch point movable rather than fixed. The linkage assembly allows the hitch point to move vertically and horizontally in response to terrain variations and user motion, transforming the rigid connection into a dynamic one that adapts to jogging movements and absorbs shocks, thereby eliminating jerky motion while maintaining towing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly acts as an intermediary between the user and the trailer. It includes components such as a universal joint, spring, and damper that mediate the force transmission, filtering out high-frequency vibrations and smoothing the connection. This intermediary mechanism decouples the direct rigid connection, allowing the trailer to be towed smoothly without directly transmitting the user's gait-induced accelerations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If convertible trailer devices use additional parts and components for conversion between pushed and pulled operations, then functionality is enhanced, but the conversion process becomes complex requiring tools and part storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single linkage assembly that serves multiple functions: it enables both towing mode (when attached to a bicycle or used for jogging) and pushing mode (when the trailer is pushed by a user). The same components facilitate both operational modes, eliminating the need for separate conversion parts and simplifying the overall device while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the conversion mechanism with the primary towing linkage. Rather than adding separate conversion components, the design integrates the conversion capability into the existing linkage assembly, allowing the same structure to accommodate both pushed and pulled operations. This merging reduces part count and eliminates the need for additional tools or storage requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a trailer hitch point is fixed to the back, then attachment is simple, but the hitch point moves up and down during jogging causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed hitch point into a dynamic movable hitch point through the linkage assembly. The hitch point can move vertically and horizontally within the linkage's range of motion, allowing it to accommodate the up-and-down movement during jogging without transmitting these movements directly to the user's back, thereby maintaining attachment simplicity while improving comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly incorporates shock-absorbing elements such as springs and dampers that provide beforehand cushioning. These components are pre-configured to absorb and dampen the vertical and horizontal movements that occur during jogging, preventing these movements from being transmitted to the user. This cushioning effect is built into the attachment mechanism itself, maintaining simplicity while enhancing comfort.
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 solution provides a smooth and comfortable towing experience for both walking and jogging, maintaining stability and versatility by absorbing jarring motions and regulating trailer speed, allowing the trailer to be used as a bicycle trailer, jogging stroller, or hands-free jogging trailer.
Implementation Method 1
a unique steering/towing linkage assembly that includes a toggle mechanism to absorb jarring motion
Implementation Method 2
a universal joint for flexible attachment
Implementation Method 3
a brake actuator to maintain smooth towing
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible trailer assembly is provided that can be pushed or pulled. The trailer assembly can be converted between pushed or pulled operation or provided as a retrofit assembly for a stroller that allows its conversion between pushed or pulled operation. The Assembly includes a linkage assembly to provide a smoother towing experience for the user. The linkage uniquely takes up the constant jarring motion that is incompatible as between the user and the trailer and dissipates it in a toggle that consists of a lever extending upwardly from a tow point on the trailer. When accelerating or going uphill the toggle pulls forward, at equilibrium the toggle motion absorbs the incremental differences in acceleration/deceleration and at the rear limit of its range of motion, the toggle pushes a brake actuator to slow the trailer.