Trailer King Pin Restraint With Hydraulic Leveling Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizing and restraint devices for parked semi-trailers lack effective mechanisms to securely stabilize and level the trailers at loading docks, leading to potential movement and safety issues during loading and unloading operations.
Innovation Solution
A trailer restraint system that includes a ground mount and a hydraulic circuit to engage the king pin of the semi-trailer, utilizing a ground hook and engagement neck to limit movement, and a torsion axle assembly for stabilization, allowing for secure positioning and leveling through a combination of mechanical and hydraulic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic circuit is used to engage the king pin, then the trailer is securely restrained from forward movement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic circuit with a hydraulic cylinder to engage and restrain the trailer king pin. The hydraulic system provides reliable, controlled force application to secure the trailer in position, resolving the contradiction by using fluid power to achieve dependable restraint while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized hydraulic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground hook serves as an intermediary element between the hydraulic restraint system and the ground. It transfers the restraining force from the hydraulic cylinder through the king pin to the ground mount, providing a stable mechanical connection that enhances reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a torsion axle assembly is used for stabilization, then the trailer is leveled and stabilized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion axle assembly utilizes the trailer's own weight to activate the stabilization mechanism. As the trailer settles onto the stabilizer, its weight automatically compresses the torsion springs, which then provide the counterbalancing force needed for leveling. This self-activating mechanism achieves reliable stabilization without requiring additional power sources or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion axle assembly changes the mechanical parameters of the stabilization system by using torsion springs that store and release mechanical energy. The springs undergo torsional deformation to absorb and release energy, providing dynamic stabilization that adapts to the trailer's weight and positioning requirements, thereby achieving stability through material property utilization rather than complex mechanical arrangements.
3Manufacturing precision
If ground hooks and engagement necks are used to limit movement, then the trailer positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into distinct functional components: ground hooks for vertical engagement, engagement necks for horizontal positioning, and a king pin receiver for longitudinal restraint. Each component performs a specific positioning function, allowing for precise trailer placement through coordinated action of simple, specialized elements rather than a single complex 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
The system effectively stabilizes and levels parked semi-trailers, preventing forward movement and ensuring safe loading and unloading operations by utilizing a hydraulic circuit to secure the trailer to the ground mount and a torsion axle assembly for weight distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic circuit to engage the king pin of the semi-trailer
Implementation Method 2
a torsion axle assembly for stabilization
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer restraining device comprising a portable frame having mounted thereto a tail hook and a king pin receiver that includes at least one of a receiver hydraulic cylinder, a receiver pneumatic cylinder, a receiver electric actuator, and a receiver winch.