Trailer Docking Repositionable Support System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Freight trailers at loading docks are prone to movement and tipping during cargo loading/unloading, posing risks of damage and injury due to the reliance on landing gear that is not designed to handle the weight and dynamic forces of lift trucks, and there is a need for a reliable support system that maintains trailer position without deploying the landing gear.
Innovation Solution
A repositionable support system with a fifth wheel to capture the kingpin of the freight trailer, including electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic interfaces, wheel chocks, and a winch for secure positioning, which allows the trailer to be stabilized without using the landing gear, and a communication system to ensure proper mounting and safety for loading/unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the landing gear is deployed to support the freight trailer, then the trailer can be positioned at the loading dock, but the landing gear is not designed to handle the weight and dynamic forces of lift trucks, causing instability and risk of tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support system with a fifth wheel and kingpin as an intermediary between the landing gear and the trailer body. This intermediary structure bears the weight and dynamic forces of lift trucks, protecting the landing gear from excessive loads while maintaining trailer stability during cargo operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system segments the load-bearing function from the positioning function. The fifth wheel assembly handles weight-bearing and stability, while the landing gear focuses solely on positioning and support during docking, allowing each component to operate within its design capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If the landing gear is used as the primary support, then the trailer can be positioned, but the trailer is prone to movement and tipping during cargo loading/unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is deployed in advance before cargo loading/unloading begins. The fifth wheel is positioned and locked to the kingpin beforehand, pre-establishing a stable support configuration that prevents trailer movement during subsequent cargo operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system transitions from a static landing gear configuration to a dynamic support arrangement where the fifth wheel can be positioned and locked at optimal locations, adapting to different trailer positions and load conditions to maintain stability throughout the cargo operation.
3Reliability
If a support system with fifth wheel and kingpin is implemented, then trailer stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The fifth wheel and kingpin components serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable positioning adjustments, and facilitate secure locking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system incorporates self-aligning and self-locking mechanisms where the kingpin automatically engages with the fifth wheel, and the system maintains its own stability without requiring external intervention during cargo operations, reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer stabilizing device for stabilizing a parked freight trailer comprising a frame having mounted thereto at least a right side wheel and a left side wheel, the frame also including a hitch, a fifth wheel, and at least one of a repositionable wheel chock and a repositionable hook, the trailer stabilizing device further including a repositioning device in order to reposition at least one of the repositionable wheel chock and the repositionable hook. The present disclosure also includes a method of stabilizing a parked trailer at a loading dock, the method comprising: (a) positioning a wheeled trailer stabilizer underneath a parked freight trailer at a loading dock while landing gear of the parked freight trailer are deployed and a kingpin of the parked trailer is accessible; (b) securing the kingpin of the parked freight trailer to a fifth wheel of the wheeled trailer stabilizer; and, (c) deploying a repositionable hook operatively coupled to the frame of the wheeled trailer stabilizer so the repositionable hook couples to a cleat mounted to the ground, where deployment of the hook is operative to exert a pulling force on the kingpin.