Trailer Carriage Track Stabilization Fin for Snow Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Trailer carriages for snow transport vehicles tend to swerve or skid when cornering, leading to potential tipping and accidents, especially in snowy conditions.

Innovation Solution

A trailer carriage equipped with a track stabilization fin that protrudes downwards to engage with the snow, featuring a fin blade with a straight immersion section and a rear sliding section, which can pivot to avoid digging into the ground and includes a pretensioning device for secure engagement, allowing adjustment for different conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flat track stabilization fin is used, then the trailer carriage can engage in the snow layer effectively, but there is a risk that the fin will dig into the ground when crossing thin layers of snow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoidground impact risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The track stabilization fin is designed to be pivotable about a pivot axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. When encountering thin snow layers or uneven ground, the fin can pivot upward to avoid digging into the ground, while in deep snow conditions it engages effectively to provide stabilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fin blade features a differentiated geometry with a front immersion section and a rear sliding section with a sliding rib. This parameter variation allows the fin to adapt to different snow depths and ground conditions, engaging when appropriate and sliding over the surface when snow is thin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the track stabilization fin is fixed in a working position, then it provides continuous stabilization, but it interferes with transportation and storage of the trailer sled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabilization effectivenessVSAvoidtransport convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The track stabilization fin is mounted on a pivotable connection that allows it to be positioned in a working state during operation and pivoted to a storage position parallel to the sliding plane during transportation. This dynamic positioning resolves the conflict between needing stabilization during use and avoiding interference during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the track stabilization fin is made rigid, then it provides stable engagement with the snow, but it cannot adapt to uneven ground or varying snow conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement stabilityVSAvoidground condition adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable mounting allows the rigid fin blade to maintain its structural stability for effective snow engagement while enabling the entire fin assembly to rotate and adapt to uneven ground surfaces and varying snow depths, combining both rigidity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 track stabilization fin reduces swerving and skidding, enhancing stability and safety by engaging with the snow layer, while its pivotability and adjustable pretensioning ensure effective operation in varying snow depths and conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the track stabilization fin can engage in a layer of snow lying on the ground, as a result of which the trailer carriage slides on the snow layer in a track-stabilized manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the prestressing device comprises a spring device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the prestressing device comprises at least one torsion spring or a double torsion spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3357788B1Trailer carriage
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 GERHARD FETZER
  • EP3357788B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3357788B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3357788B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A snowplow trailer (10) for snow transport vehicles is described, comprising a frame structure (12) that defines a loading platform (16). At least two parallel snow skids (14) support the frame structure (12) and define a sliding surface (35). The snowplow trailer (10) can be coupled to a snow transport vehicle by means of a drawbar (24). At least one tracking stabilizer fin (30) is attached to the frame structure (12) by means of a fastening device (32), the tracking stabilizer fin (30) projecting at least partially downwards beyond the sliding surface (35) in a working position.