Trailer Chassis Segmented Rail Design for Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailers do not provide convenient access for individuals with disabilities without relying on complex suspension systems, which are often hydraulically, mechanically, or electrically powered.
Innovation Solution
A trailer chassis design featuring parallel rails with varying heights for wheel and hitch segments, allowing the trailer to be lowered for easier access without the need for jacking devices, enabling a lower point of access while maintaining a suitable transport position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional suspension system is used to lower the trailer floor for accessibility, then accessibility for disabled users is improved, but device complexity increases due to hydraulic, mechanical, or electric components
Solution Approach 1:
The rail is divided into multiple segments with different heights (first height for rear portion, second height for front portion). This segmentation allows the trailer floor to be at different heights at different locations, providing accessibility at the rear while maintaining transport position at the front, eliminating the need for complex suspension systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-height rail design to a multi-height rail design by adding the vertical dimension variation along the rail length. This creates a gradient height structure that simultaneously satisfies accessibility requirements and transport clearance requirements without mechanical suspension components.
2Ease of operation
If the trailer floor is lowered to improve accessibility, then ease of access is improved, but transport clearance and hitch connection height become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the rail are assigned different heights locally. The rear portion has a first height that provides lowered accessibility, while the front portion has a second height that maintains proper transport clearance and hitch connection height. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between accessibility and transport suitability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail height profile is designed to be dynamic in nature, transitioning from a lower rear section to a higher front section. This dynamic height variation allows the trailer to adapt to different operational modes (accessibility vs. transport) within a single static structure, eliminating the need for active suspension adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A chassis for a vehicular trailer, comprising a generally flat wheel engaging segment, said wheel engaging rotatably attached to a pair of collinearly disposed wheels; a hitch engaging segment connected to a trailer hitch and a linking segment, said linking segment disposed between and connecting the wheel engaging segment and the hitch engaging segment and comprising a change in height adapted to cause the hitch engaging segment to be offset from the wheel engaging segment relative to a support surface.