Trailer Retainer Structure for Fast Excavator Blade Securing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing excavators to trailers are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to human error, particularly when handling attachments, and may require multiple straps and clips, leading to potential damage or theft.

Innovation Solution

A securing system for excavators to trailers that includes a retainer with a hook member engaging the dozer blade to restrict movement and keepers limiting undercarriage movement, along with a storage cage and breaker storage unit for attachments, allowing secure and efficient loading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple straps and clips are used to secure the excavator, then the excavator can be restrained from movement, but the complexity of the securing system increases and more time is required for installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of excavator attachmentVSAvoidnumber of straps and clips

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple securing functions into a single integrated retainer structure. The retainer includes a vertical post with a horizontal projection that simultaneously provides a stop for the dozer blade and engages with the undercarriage, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate straps and clips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer structure performs multiple securing functions simultaneously: the vertical post limits upward movement of the undercarriage, the horizontal projection limits forward movement of the dozer blade, and the overall structure prevents sideways movement. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple straps and clips are used to secure the excavator, then the excavator can be restrained from movement, but the time required for installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of excavator attachmentVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is pre-installed and permanently fixed to the trailer floor in advance. This eliminates the need to install multiple straps and clips during the loading process. The excavator operator only needs to drive the equipment forward until the dozer blade engages with the pre-positioned retainer projection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The securing system is self-activating through the natural loading process. As the excavator is driven onto the trailer in forward motion, the dozer blade automatically engages with the horizontal projection of the retainer, and the undercarriage automatically contacts the vertical post, securing the equipment without requiring manual intervention for fastening multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the excavator is loaded in reverse to accommodate dozer blade engagement, then the retainer can effectively secure the blade, but the loading process becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of dozer bladeVSAvoidloading direction flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring the excavator to be loaded in reverse (the traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by positioning the retainer projection to engage with the dozer blade during forward motion. The horizontal projection extends in the forward direction, allowing the blade to naturally contact and engage with it as the excavator drives forward onto the trailer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If attachments are secured using tie-down straps, then the attachments can be restrained from movement and theft, but the process is time-consuming and vulnerable to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of attachmentsVSAvoidattachment securing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer structure combines the securing of both the excavator undercarriage and the dozer blade attachment into a single integrated system. The same vertical post and horizontal projection that secure the undercarriage also engage with the dozer blade, eliminating the need for separate tie-down straps for the attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12503035B2Securing system for a trailer

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 TOWMATE TRAILERS LTD

AI summary

A securing system for securing an item of plant machinery to a trailer comprises a retainer disposed in a forward region of the trailer, the retainer comprising a recess for receiving a part of a dozer blade of said plant machinery, and the retainer being configured such that movement of a dozer blade engaged with the recess is restricted in forwards, rearwards and upwards directions relative to a floor of the trailer.