Modular Trailer Jack Cradle for Low-Height Heavy Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer systems require extensive time, labor, and materials for lifting and stabilizing large or heavy objects during transport, leading to increased CO2 emissions and stability issues due to high load bed supports, which complicate the process and increase the need for additional space and rigging.
Innovation Solution
A trailer system with a first trailer module featuring a primary loading bed connector for rigid connection to another module and an integrated jack system with a jack cradle positioned below the loading bed, allowing for vertical and horizontal movement without switching support locations, reducing the need for external jacks and minimizing system height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loading bed supports are used to lift and stabilize the object, then the object can be fully supported on the loading bed, but the overall height of the trailer system increases and more free space is needed below the object
Solution Approach 1:
The jack holder is integrated into the loading bed structure, with the jack nested within the loading bed cavity. This nesting arrangement allows the jack system to be housed within the existing structural space of the loading bed, eliminating the need for external support structures that would increase overall height.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack holder extends in the vertical direction within the loading bed cavity, utilizing the depth dimension rather than increasing horizontal or overall vertical height. The jack mechanism operates within the internal volume of the loading bed structure, transforming the support function from an external height-increasing element to an internal space-utilizing component.
2Ease of operation
If loading bed supports are used to lift the object, then the object can be engaged on the loading bed, but a significant height is required which affects stability due to high centre of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The jack system is nested within the loading bed structure, positioning the lifting mechanism low within the overall trailer assembly. This nested arrangement ensures that the centre of gravity remains low during object engagement, maintaining trailer system stability while enabling full object support capability.
3Reliability
If extensive support materials are used for lifting and stabilizing, then the object can be securely supported, but more transport of goods is required which increases CO2 footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The loading bed structure serves dual functions: it provides the structural platform for object support and houses the jack mechanism internally. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate external support materials and structures, reducing material usage and associated CO2 emissions while maintaining full object support capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the jack holder extends above the loading bed, then the jack system can accommodate the object, but the system height increases requiring more free space below the object
Solution Approach 1:
The jack holder is nested within the loading bed structure, with the jack mechanism housed inside the loading bed cavity. This nested configuration allows the system to accommodate objects of various sizes while maintaining a compact overall height, as the jack system utilizes internal volume rather than extending externally.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer system includes a first trailer module, having a plurality of wheels, a loading bed, and a primary loading bed connector for connecting to a loading bed of a further trailer module to form a combined rigid loading bed. The primary loading bed connector is arranged below an upper surface of the loading bed of the first trailer module. A first jack system includes a first jack cradle, which has a jack holder, and a jack accommodated in the jack holder. A primary cradle connector is connected to the primary loading bed connector of the first trailer module and therewith connects the first jack cradle to the first trailer module. The jack holder extends at least partly below the upper surface of the loading bed of the of the first trailer module.