Trailer Drawbar Sliding Guide for Single-Operator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of the drawbar on a trailer's rolling frame requires two operators due to the drawbar's weight and bulkiness, making the process time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially during bulk deliveries.
Innovation Solution
The trailer is designed with means for guiding the drawbar to slide into a pivotal abutment on the frame, featuring interlocking members with a keying face that prevents pivoting until the drawbar is fully assembled, allowing a single person to secure the drawbar by immobilizing it in its angular position of use through controlled locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drawbar is assembled on the rolling frame using traditional fixing holes and screws, then the drawbar is securely attached to the frame, but the assembly process requires two operators and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar assembly is segmented into modular components: the drawbar itself, the rolling frame with integrated guide means, and locking means. This segmentation allows the drawbar to be independently positioned and then quickly secured, enabling single-operator assembly while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide means are introduced as an intermediary element between the drawbar and the rolling frame. These guide means facilitate the positioning and alignment of the drawbar, making the assembly process simpler and faster while ensuring proper installation.
2Ease of operation
If the drawbar is assembled on the rolling frame, then the trailer is ready for use according to legislation, but the process requires two operators due to the drawbar's weight and bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
Guide means act as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the assembly process. These means include guide channels, guide slots, or guide rails that direct and constrain the drawbar during installation, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide means enable the drawbar to guide itself into the correct position during assembly. The drawbar's own weight and geometry, combined with the guide means, facilitate automatic alignment and positioning, reducing the complexity of the assembly process and enabling single-operator installation.
3Volume of moving object
If the drawbar is removed from the rolling frame for transport, then the trailer is more compact and can be transported upright, but the drawbar must be reassembled at the dealer's premises
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar assembly is designed as a separable module that can be easily detached from the rolling frame. The locking means enable quick release, and the guide means ensure proper repositioning during reassembly, facilitating compact transport and simplified reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide means serve as intermediaries that ensure correct positioning of the drawbar during both initial assembly and reassembly after transport. These means include alignment features, guide channels, or positioning stops that guarantee proper installation without requiring complex procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1~11
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a trailer (10) for a motor vehicle, the trailer (10) comprising: - a rolling chassis (12); - a longitudinal drawbar (28) which includes an arm (30, 32) intended to be assembled with the chassis (12) by pivoting about a transverse axis (A); characterized in that it includes means for guiding the drawbar in sliding relative to the chassis in a longitudinal vertical plane up to an assembled state of the drawbar in which the drawbar is in pivoting stop about a transverse axis relative to the chassis, the pivoting of the drawbar (28) up to its angular position of use causing the engagement of a blocking face (68) of the arm (30, 32) behind a stop face (54) of the chassis (12) blocking the sliding of the drawbar (28) relative to the chassis (12).