Multi-Axle Trailer Load Balancing Suspension and Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Longer transport trailers used for coiled tubing equipment face challenges with highway and roadway weight per axle restrictions and maneuverability, particularly in turning, due to additional axles required to lower weight per axle, which limits their turning ability and requires manual axle straightening.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axle transport trailer with a load balancing air suspension system that allows varying air pressures in suspension air bags across different axles and an automatic steering system that straightens wheels during reverse movement by using a tie rod, sensing device, and hydraulic control valve to articulate the wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional axles are added to lower weight per axle, then compliance with highway weight restrictions is improved, but turning ability and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the axle configuration changeable during operation. The system uses air suspension bags with controllable pressure to dynamically raise or lower different axles, allowing the trailer to transition between multi-axle configuration (for weight compliance) and reduced-axle configuration (for improved turning). This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between maintaining weight restriction compliance and preserving maneuverability.
2Device complexity
If manual axle straightening is required, then simplicity of system is improved, but ease of operation and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the automatic axle straightening system. Sensors detect when an axle is off-center during reverse movement, and the system automatically activates the air suspension to adjust axle positions and straighten the wheels without manual intervention. This eliminates the need for manual axle straightening while maintaining system simplicity, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and ease of operation.
3Quantity of substance
If longer trailers are used to transport more equipment, then transport capacity is improved, but weight per axle increases and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the trailer to dynamically adjust its axle configuration based on operational needs. During transport, all axles are lowered to distribute weight and comply with restrictions. During maneuvering or turning operations, the system raises certain axles to reduce the number of contact points, improving steering response and turning radius. This dynamic adjustment allows long trailers to maintain both high transport capacity and acceptable maneuverability.
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 enables adjustable axle weight configurations and automatic wheel straightening in reverse, enhancing the trailer's ability to comply with weight restrictions and improve turning capabilities without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
air bags associated with different axles are capable of having different air pressures therein
Implementation Method 2
a sensing device configured to monitor movement of the tie rod
Implementation Method 3
the steering system comprising cylinders configured to articulate the wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-axle transport trailer having a plurality of axles includes a suspension comprising air bags associated with each axle, the air bags in communication with an air source, wherein air bags associated with different axles are capable of having different air pressures therein. The trailer further optionally includes a steering system associated with at least one axle, the axle including a tie rod connected between wheels on both ends of the axle, the steering system comprising cylinders configured to articulate the wheels, and a sensing device configured to monitor movement of the tie rod and facilitate actuating the cylinders to turn the wheels.