Truck Trailer Movable Platform for Dual-Level Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailers with standard 49-inch floor heights face challenges in unloading cargo onto curbs lower than the trailer floor, as existing solutions like trailer elevators compromise trailer sealing and limit cargo volume.
Innovation Solution
A trailer design featuring a vertically movable platform between the standard 49-inch main floor and curb-level positions, allowing for increased cargo capacity and flexible unloading options without secondary devices, with sealed compartments and self-supporting, clear-span platforms actuated by electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a trailer elevator is used to lower the floor to curb level, then unloading capability at curb level is improved, but the trailer is no longer sealed and cargo volume is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer interior is segmented into two distinct compartments: a main compartment with a fixed dock-level floor for sealed cargo transport, and a belly compartment with a movable platform that can be positioned at either dock level or curb level. This segmentation allows the trailer to maintain sealing while providing adaptable unloading capabilities at different heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform in the belly compartment is designed to be dynamically movable between two fixed positions: dock-level position (co-planar with the main floor) and curb-level position. This dynamic positioning capability enables the trailer to adapt to different unloading scenarios without compromising the sealed environment during transport.
2Ease of operation
If the floor is lowered to curb level for unloading, then accessibility to curb is improved, but the vertical reach for forklifts and loading devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The platform serves as a dynamic intermediate surface that can be positioned at either curb level or dock level. When positioned at dock level, it provides sufficient vertical reach for forklifts and loading devices. When positioned at curb level, it enables direct accessibility to the curb for unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform acts as an intermediary surface between the dock-level floor and the curb. It mediates the transition between these two levels, providing a stable working surface that can be positioned at either height to facilitate different types of cargo handling operations.
3Volume of stationary object
If a deep center drop section is added to increase cargo capacity, then cargo volume is improved, but structural complexity and support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deep center drop section is segmented into a separate belly compartment with its own movable platform, independent of the main compartment. This segmentation allows the deep section to provide additional cargo volume while maintaining structural integrity through clear-span self-supporting construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform in the belly compartment is designed as a self-supporting structure with clear-span construction that does not require additional external support elements. The platform supports itself and the cargo within it, reducing overall structural complexity while maximizing cargo volume.
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
Enables efficient unloading at both 49-inch and curb levels without additional equipment and increases cargo storage space by approximately 10% in standard trailers, enhancing the reach for forklifts and other loading devices.
Implementation Method 1
A lifting mechanism is coupled to the platform and selectively raises and lowers the platform between a lower position of one to two feet above street level, otherwise known as curb-level, and an upper position of approximately between three and seven feet above street level.
Implementation Method 2
Longitudinal and lateral stability may be controlled by frictional, magnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical means
Implementation Method 3
Longitudinal and lateral stability may be controlled by frictional, magnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical means
Implementation Method 4
Actuation of the free-span platform may be electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 5
Actuation of the free-span platform may be electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, or a combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer includes a front section having a first floor with an upper surface at a fixed vertical level approximately between three and six feet above a street level, a middle section, and a rear section having a second floor with an upper surface at the fixed vertical level. A horizontally-oriented platform is disposed in the middle section. A lifting mechanism is coupled to the platform and selectively raises and lowers the platform between a lower position of one to two feet above street level, otherwise known as curb-level, and an upper position of approximately between three and seven feet above street level.