Trailer Frame Notched Extension A-Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer frame designs lack a strong and stable A-frame configuration that provides a flush top side and overlapping underside for attaching a hitch, which is essential for heavy load carrying and stability.
Innovation Solution
A trailer frame design featuring longitudinally extending main support I-beams with notched extension frame members that converge to a hitch point, where the upper sides of the extension frame members are flush with the deck side of the main support frame members and the lower sides overlap the bottom sides, providing a strong and stable A-frame structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional A-frame configurations are used with simple attachments to main beams, then the structure is easier to manufacture, but the structural integrity and stability are insufficient for heavy load carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The A-frame extension is divided into multiple separate members (left extension member, right extension member, and cross member) that are individually attached to the main beams. This segmentation allows each member to be manufactured and positioned independently, then joined together to form the complete A-frame structure, achieving both structural integrity and manufacturing ease
Solution Approach 2:
The extension frame members are positioned and attached within the spatial framework defined by the main support beams, with the cross member nested between the left and right extension members. This nested arrangement creates a compact, integrated structure that maximizes strength while minimizing attachment complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If extension frame members are attached to main support beams, then the A-frame structure is formed for hitch attachment, but achieving flush top side and overlapping underside alignment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The extension frame members are designed with specific local geometries including notched ends and positioned orientations that create flush top sides and overlapping undersides with the main beams. This local quality differentiation ensures precise alignment at the attachment interfaces while maintaining overall structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The A-frame extension members are configured with asymmetric attachment characteristics: the top sides are positioned to be flush with the main beams while the bottom sides overlap beneath the main beams. This asymmetric arrangement provides both alignment stability and structural strength without requiring high manufacturing precision
3Strength
If the A-frame extension is designed with converging members to a hitch point, then hitch attachment capability is provided, but the load carrying capacity and stability are insufficient without proper reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The A-frame extension members are merged with the main support beams through direct attachment, creating a unified load-bearing structure. The cross member further merges the left and right extension members, forming an integrated truss-like configuration that significantly increases load carrying capacity while maintaining relatively simple frame geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The A-frame extension adds a diagonal dimensional element to the otherwise longitudinal main beams. This diagonal configuration creates triangular load paths that efficiently distribute and transfer loads from the hitch point through the extension members to the main beams, enhancing load carrying capacity without excessive complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer frame for use on a trailer including at least one pair of main support frame members that extend in a longitudinal direction of the trailer frame. The main support frame members have a deck side and a bottom side. In one embodiment, the trailer frame also includes a plurality of cross frame members extending between the main support frame members; and a plurality of extension frame members converging to a hitch point at a front extension of the trailer frame. The extension frame members are attached to respective main support frame members with one end of each extension frame member being notched so that upper sides of the extension frame members are flush with the deck side of the main support frame members while a portion of lower sides of the extension frame members overlap the bottom sides of the main support frame members. The main support frame members include I-beams and plate members extending between and attached to flanges on each of the I-beam main support frame members. The extension frame members have a rectangular tubular cross section.