Hydraulic Tail Trailer Hinge Positioning for Loading Angle Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydraulic tail trailers have a large loading angle due to the hinge point being at or rearward of the centerline of the rear axle, causing equipment to 'high center' during loading and unloading, which complicates the handling of heavy or large items.
Innovation Solution
The hydraulic tail trailer design positions the main tail's hinge point forward of the centerline of the rear axle, incorporating a hydraulically operated tail assembly with a main tail and flip tail, connected by hydraulic cylinders, to increase the tail length without extending the overall trailer length, thereby reducing the loading angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the hinge point is located at or rearward of the centerline of the rear axle, then the trailer structure is simplified, but the loading angle becomes large causing equipment to high center
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional hinge location by positioning it forward of the rear axle centerline instead of at or behind it. This reversal of the standard design approach allows the main tail to achieve a lower loading angle and prevents equipment from high centering during loading operations.
2Ease of operation
If the tail length is increased to reduce loading angle, then the loading performance is improved, but the overall trailer length is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the length conflict by changing the spatial arrangement through the flip tail mechanism. The flip tail can be deployed vertically to provide additional loading surface area when needed, while retracted horizontally during transport to maintain a compact overall trailer length. This dimensional flexibility allows improved loading performance without permanently extending the trailer.
3Ease of operation
If the hinge point is moved forward of the rear axle centerline, then the loading angle is reduced preventing high centering, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tail assembly into two separate segments: the main tail and the flip tail. This segmentation allows the main tail to be positioned at an optimal angle for loading by moving its hinge forward, while the flip tail provides additional configurable support. The modular segmentation manages the structural complexity by creating independent functional units that can operate autonomously.
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
This design allows for a lower load angle and increased loading length, enhancing the trailer's capability to handle heavy equipment without the equipment 'high centering' issue, while maintaining the trailer's overall length and ensuring durability and refined appearance.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of hydraulic cylinders interconnect the lower rearward ends of the running gear beams to the main tail for pivotally moving the main tail. A hydraulic cylinder pivotally interconnects the main tail and the flip tail to enable the flip tail to be pivotally moved with respect to the main tail.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic tail trailer comprising a main deck having a main tail assembly pivotally connected to the rearward end thereof with the pivotal connection therebetween being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle of the trailer suspension system. The location of the hinge between the main deck and the main tail assembly, by being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle, provides a main tail having an increased length thereby providing a lower loading angle without increasing the overall length of the trailer.