Tiltable Trailer Axle Locking and Tensioning Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tilting trailers face issues such as cable deformation under heavy loads, reliance on electrical systems for tension management, frequent tension checks, and increased manufacturing costs due to complex designs and the need for jacks, which complicate loading and unloading bulky items safely and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A tilting trailer design featuring a flexible element like a strap or cable attached to the axle, with a mechanical tension adjustment device like a ratchet tensioner or winch, and a separate locking mechanism to prevent untimely lowering, allowing for manual operation and using a standard commercial axle, reducing mechanical stress and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a cable is mounted in the center of the axle to control tilting, then the tilting function is achieved, but the axle deforms when the cable is stretched under heavy loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxle strengthVSAvoidtilting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the tilting control into two independent systems: a flexible element (cable/strap) for actuation and a separate locking mechanism for stabilization. This segmentation prevents the axle from bearing both actuation and loading stresses simultaneously, eliminating deformation while maintaining functional simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a locking mechanism as an intermediary component that engages with the axle at a high position to prevent untimely lowering. This mediator absorbs the stabilizing function, allowing the flexible element to focus solely on actuation without bearing excessive tension that would cause axle deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If an electronic device is used to manage cable tension, then tension control is achieved, but electrical power supply is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension managementVSAvoidelectrical power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-service mechanical tensioning system where the flexible element and locking mechanism work together through pure mechanical interaction. The user manually tensions the flexible element, and the locking mechanism automatically engages to maintain position, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, motors, or power supplies while preserving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electronic tension management system with a purely mechanical alternative. Instead of using electronic sensors and motors to control cable tension, the system uses a mechanically-operated locking mechanism that engages with the axle, substituting electronic control with simple, reliable mechanical action that requires no power supply

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If braking means are used to slow down chassis lowering, then controlled descent is achieved, but additional components are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelowering controlVSAvoidbraking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the locking mechanism to engage with the axle at a predetermined high position before lowering begins. This preliminary engagement establishes a controlled descent path, eliminating the need for active braking components while ensuring reliable, controlled lowering through the predetermined mechanical constraint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Power

If a jack is used to control frame movement, then lifting capability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting powerVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive jack mechanism with a simple, inexpensive flexible element (cable or strap) that provides sufficient lifting power for the intended application. This disposable-like simple component achieves the necessary lifting function without the complex machinery of a jack, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate power for loading and unloading

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 enables safe, efficient, and cost-effective tilting of the trailer with reduced mechanical stress, allowing for easy loading and unloading of heavy objects while complying with European road safety standards and maintaining a low manufacturing cost, with the ability to tilt or rise quickly and maintain a stable inclination.

Implementation Method 1

said actuating means comprising at least one flexible element integral with said axle, said flexible element being a strap or a cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

means for actuating the pivoting of said axle relative to the wheels so as to vary the position of said frame relative to the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

a device for adjusting the tension of said flexible element fixed to said frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

said device for adjusting the tension of said flexible element is a ratchet tensioner or a winch for winding said flexible element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 5

means for locking the trailer in the high position, separate from the actuating means comprising a sliding locking bar, one end of which is integral with said axle and a second end is intended to cooperate with a locking mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 6

the second end of the locking bar comprises a slot in which, in the high position of the trailer, a locking pin is intended to be housed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPositioning:

Data Source

PatentEP3755575B1Tiltable trailer comprising mechanical actuation means and high-position locking means

Publication Date: 2022.04.06 COCHET

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7

AI summary

The invention concerns a tiltable trailer (100) that can assume a high, or road, position, and a low loading position in which the trailer is tilted with respect to the ground, the trailer (100) comprising a chassis (101) resting on the ground on wheels (108), the chassis (101) being mounted on an axle (107) that pivots with respect to said wheels (108), said trailer (100) further comprising: - actuation means (110) for actuating the pivoting of said axle (107) relative to the wheels (108) in such a way as to vary the position of said chassis (101) with respect to the ground, said actuation means (110) comprising at least one flexible element (1101) secured to said axle (107), said flexible element (1101) being a strap or a cable, and a device (1102) for adjusting the tension of said flexible element (1101) attached to said chassis (101), and - means (111) for locking the trailer (100) in the high position, separate from the actuation means (110), comprising a sliding locking bar (1111), a first end (1111A) of which is secured to said axle (107) and a second end (1111B) of which is intended to cooperate with a locking mechanism (1112), mounted on said chassis (101), when the trailer (100) is in the high position.