Semi Tractor Dolly Assembly for Forward Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for towing disabled semi-tractors and large trucks are cumbersome, often require disconnection of the drive shaft, and are limited in their ability to tow vehicles without a fifth wheel assembly in both forward and reverse directions.
Innovation Solution
A tractor dolly assembly that can be coupled to the rear frame of a semi-tractor or other vehicle, featuring self-steering wheels and adjustable components to lift the rear wheels off the ground, allowing for towing in both forward and reverse directions without disconnection of the drive shaft, and compatibility with vehicles having or lacking a fifth wheel assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional towing devices are used to tow disabled semi-tractors in reverse direction, then the towing operation can be performed, but the drive shaft must be disconnected or rear wheels must be lifted which makes the process cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional towing approach by enabling forward towing instead of reverse towing. The dolly assembly is designed with a front coupling mechanism that connects to the disabled tractor's front bumper or frame, allowing the tractor to be towed forward with drive wheels on the ground without disconnecting the drive shaft. This inversion of the towing direction resolves the technical contradiction by eliminating the need for drive shaft disconnection while maintaining towing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly assembly acts as an intermediary device between the towing vehicle and the disabled tractor. It includes a front coupling mechanism that attaches to the tractor's front frame or bumper, and a rear support structure with wheels that contacts the ground. This intermediary configuration allows the tractor to be towed forward with its drive wheels rolling on the ground, eliminating the need for drive shaft disconnection while providing stable support during towing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If towing devices are designed for fifth wheel assembly coupling, then semi-tractors with fifth wheels can be towed, but large trucks without fifth wheel assemblies cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly assembly is designed with universal coupling capabilities that can accommodate multiple vehicle types including semi-tractors with and without fifth wheel assemblies, and large trucks. The front coupling mechanism can attach to various locations such as front bumpers, frames, or fifth wheel assemblies, while the rear support structure can be adjusted to different heights and configurations. This multi-functional design resolves the technical contradiction by enabling the same device to tow diverse vehicle types without requiring specialized coupling mechanisms for each vehicle type.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly assembly incorporates adjustable and dynamic components including height-adjustable rear support legs, telescopic arms, and configurable wheel arrangements. These dynamic features allow the device to adapt its configuration to match different vehicle types and towing scenarios, enabling universal compatibility across semi-tractors and large trucks while maintaining a single standardized device design.
3Reliability
If rear wheels are lifted during towing, then the drive shaft can remain connected, but the towing device becomes cumbersome and requires specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of lifting the rear wheels off the ground during towing, the patent inverts the approach by enabling forward towing with rear wheels remaining on the ground. The dolly assembly couples to the front of the tractor and provides ground contact through its own rear wheels, allowing the tractor's rear drive wheels to roll naturally on the ground without being lifted. This resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining drive shaft connection integrity while eliminating the need for complex wheel-lifting mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A tractor dolly assembly is disclosed for use with a semi tractor or other vehicle to be towed in either a forward or reverse direction. The tractor dolly assembly is configured to be coupled to the rear frame of a semi tractor or other vehicle and lift the rear wheels off the ground for towing. In a forward tow direction, a conventional tow truck with a hydraulically operated boom for lifting the front of the semi tractor off the ground. In a reverse direction, virtually any truck with a pintle for connection to a tow bar can be used for towing the disabled vehicle. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, since the tractor dolly assembly is configured to be secured to the frame of a disabled vehicle, the dolly can be used with vehicles having a fifth wheel assembly and vehicles without a fifth wheel assembly.