Modular Trailer Jack Cradle Layout for Low-Height Heavy Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular trailer systems require extensive time, labor, and materials for lifting and supporting large or heavy objects, leading to increased CO2 footprint and stability issues due to high load bed supports, which complicate the transport process.
Innovation Solution
A trailer system integrating a jack cradle with a jack holder and primary cradle connector, allowing for vertical and horizontal movement without switching support locations, reducing the need for external jacks and load spreaders, and enabling compact design with improved stability by positioning the jack system below the loading bed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loading bed supports are used to lift and support objects, then the object can be transported, but the overall height of the trailer system increases requiring more free space below the object
Solution Approach 1:
The jack holder is nested within the loading bed structure, with the jack system positioned below the loading bed upper surface. This nesting arrangement allows the support function to be integrated into the existing structure without increasing the overall height, as the jack holder and jack mechanism are contained within the loading bed's structural volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack holder extends in the vertical dimension below the loading bed, utilizing the space underneath rather than adding height above. This dimensional repositioning allows the support mechanism to function while maintaining a compact overall profile, effectively using the unused vertical space below the loading bed for the support function.
2Reliability
If loading bed supports are used to lift objects, then the object can be transported, but more time, labor and materials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The jack system is merged with the loading bed structure through the jack holder, which is rigidly connected to the loading bed. This integration combines the support function with the loading bed, eliminating the need for separate external support materials and reducing the number of components required, thereby improving transport efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading bed structure serves its own support function through the integrated jack holder and jack system. The loading bed includes its own built-in support mechanism, eliminating the need for external jacks and load spreaders, and allowing the system to perform the support function without additional materials or equipment.
3Reliability
If loading bed supports are used to lift objects, then the object can be transported, but the CO2 footprint of the transport project increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading bed includes its own integrated jack system for support, eliminating the need for external support materials that would require manufacturing and transport. This self-sufficient design reduces the material requirements and associated CO2 emissions from producing and transporting support equipment to the site.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated jack system eliminates the need for disposable external support materials. The permanent, built-in support mechanism replaces single-use support equipment, reducing waste and the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and transporting temporary support materials.
4Reliability
If the object is engaged at a significant height using loading bed supports, then the object can be transported, but the stability of the trailer system decreases due to high centre of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the support mechanism above the loading bed, the jack system is inverted and positioned below the loading bed. This inversion lowers the center of gravity of the support structure, improving the stability of the trailer system when transporting objects at elevated positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention pertains to a trailer system, which comprises: - a first trailer module, comprising: - a plurality of wheels, - a loading bed, - a primary loading bed connector for connecting to a loading bed of a further trailer module to form a combined rigid loading bed, which primary loading bed connector is arranged below an upper surface of the loading bed of the first trailer module, - a first jack system comprising a first jack cradle, which first jack cradle comprises: - a jack holder, and a jack accommodated in the jack holder, - a primary cradle connector, connected to the primary loading bed connector of the first trailer module and therewith connects the first jack cradle to the first trailer module, wherein the jack holder extends at least partly below the upper surface of the loading bed of the of the first trailer module.