One-Side Landing Gear Locking Mechanism for Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing logging trailers require cumbersome procedures for securing the landing gear, often leading to incomplete pinning, which results in stability issues and potential damage when unattended.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism that allows the landing gear to be easily secured in either a stowed or support position from one side of the trailer, utilizing pivotally mounted legs, a winch system, and opposed locking pin assemblies that can be operated by an operator standing adjacent to the trailer, ensuring secure positioning without the need to access both sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional safety pins are used on both sides of the trailer, then the landing gear is securely held in position, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pinning operations (left side and right side) into a single unified operation. The locking bar acts as a single component that simultaneously engages both landing gear legs, allowing the operator to secure both sides in one motion from one side of the trailer, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking mechanism for both landing gear legs simultaneously, provides a lever arm for actuation, and serves as a visual indicator when properly engaged. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what previously required two separate pins and two separate operations
2Ease of operation
If the driver does not pin both sides of the landing gear, then the procedure is simplified, but the trailer experiences stability issues and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the two independent pinning operations into a single unified locking action using the locking bar, the system ensures that both sides are secured together. The locking bar's design requires simultaneous engagement with both landing gear legs, making it impossible to secure only one side, thus maintaining trailer stability while simplifying the operator's task
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-verifying. When the locking bar is engaged, it automatically ensures both sides are secured. The system itself prevents incomplete locking, eliminating the risk of operator error where one side might be forgotten, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation
3Reliability
If the operator must access both sides of the trailer to pin the landing gear, then complete securing is achieved, but operator safety is compromised due to exposure to moving parts and unstable positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate pinning locations into a single accessible location on one side of the trailer. The locking bar mechanism allows the operator to perform both pinning operations from one safe position, eliminating the need to crawl under the trailer or access hard-to-reach areas, thus resolving the contradiction between complete securing and operator safety
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for a landing gear on a trailer utilizes two pair of locking pins mounted for simultaneous movement between an open position and a locked position such that in the locked position the landing gear is restrained in either a supporting position or a stowed position.