Trailer Engagement Arm Assemblies for Skip Bin Tipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for transporting skip bins are limited by the need for specialized trucks and cranes, which restrict accessibility and require specialized equipment and training.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle trailer equipped with engagement arm assemblies, featuring elongate rigid arms, adjustable arms, and engagement keys, allowing for the loading, unloading, and tipping of skip bins without the need for specialized equipment, enabling use with standard vehicles and improving accessibility in constrained spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a specialized truck or crane is used to transport skip bins, then the skip bin can be loaded and unloaded, but the equipment requires specialized training and is not accessible to inexperienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer engagement arm assembly is designed to be self-operating through a simple manual crank mechanism that allows the operator to raise and lower the engagement arm without requiring specialized training or equipment. The system serves itself by converting simple rotational motion into the lifting action needed to secure the skip bin.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex lifting and securing mechanism has been extracted from the skip bin itself and transferred to the trailer. The engagement arm assembly with crank mechanism is a separate, simplified system that attaches to the trailer frame, allowing the skip bin to remain structurally simple while providing the necessary lifting capability through the trailer's dedicated mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a specialized truck is used to transport skip bins, then the skip bin can be transported, but the truck cannot access tight spaces such as underground car parks or garages
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system has been segmented into a separate trailer unit with its own dedicated engagement arm assembly, independent of the skip bin structure. This segmentation allows the trailer to be a compact, maneuverable unit that can access tight spaces, while the skip bin remains a simple container that attaches to the trailer when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement arm assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a crank mechanism for raising and lowering the arm, and a pivoting key that can rotate to tip the skip bin. These dynamic components allow the system to adapt to different operational requirements (loading, unloading, tipping) without requiring a complex specialized truck.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the skip bin is mounted permanently to the trailer, then the skip bin remains secure during transport, but the trailer cannot be used for other purposes or leased temporarily
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement arm assembly is pre-positioned on the trailer with the engagement key in a ready-to-engage position. The crank mechanism is pre-configured to allow easy attachment and detachment of the skip bin, enabling quick setup for temporary use or leasing arrangements while maintaining secure attachment during transport.
4Ease of operation
If a specialized crane is used to tip the skip bin, then the bin can be emptied, but specialized equipment and training are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting and tipping functions have been merged into a single engagement arm assembly. The same arm that lifts and secures the skip bin during transport can also pivot to tip the bin for emptying. This combination eliminates the need for separate specialized tipping equipment while maintaining both functions through a unified mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement key acts as an intermediary element between the engagement arm and the skip bin. By pivoting this intermediate component, the system can transfer the lifting motion into a tipping motion, allowing the skip bin to be emptied without requiring a separate crane or specialized tipping mechanism.
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
Enables the transportation of skip bins in tight spaces without specialized equipment, allowing inexperienced users to operate the trailer and providing flexibility in location and vehicle type, while allowing for temporary use and leasing options.
Implementation Method 1
the elongate engagement key can be pivoted to tip an object mounted relative to the trailer
Implementation Method 2
the elongate rigid arm can be raised and lowered to load and unload an object relative to the trailer
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle trailer with a pair of engagement arm assemblies, one engagement arm assembly on either lateral side of the vehicle trailer, the vehicle trailer having a draw assembly for engagement with a vehicle, a chassis associated with the draw assembly and mounted on at least a pair of wheels and having at least a pair of spaced apart side rails, each side rail mounting an engagement arm assembly, each engagement arm assembly including an elongate rigid arm mounting an elongate engagement key, a first length adjustable arm associated with the elongate engagement key and a second length adjustable arm associated with the elongate rigid arm such that the elongate rigid arm can be raised and lowered to load and unload an object relative to the trailer and the elongate engagement key can be pivoted to tip an object mounted relative to the trailer.