Trailer Retainer for Forward-Loading Excavator Blade Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing excavators to trailers are inefficient, requiring multiple straps and clips, which can be incorrectly fastened, and limit the direction of loading due to the design of cowlings, causing operational challenges, especially for excavators with dozer blades.
Innovation Solution
A securing system featuring a retainer with angled hook members on the trailer floor that allows the dozer blade to be engaged in a recess, restricting movement in forward, rearward, and upward directions, enabling the excavator to be loaded in a forward direction and securely transported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 the time required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate securing elements (straps and clips) into a single integrated retainer structure with multiple hook members. This unified design maintains the security function while reducing the number of separate components that need to be handled and installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer structure serves multiple securing functions simultaneously through its multiple hook members, each capable of engaging with different parts of the excavator undercarriage. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate straps and clips while maintaining comprehensive restraint.
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 and fastening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer structure is pre-configured with multiple hook members positioned and oriented ready for engagement. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for sequential adjustment and fastening of multiple separate straps and clips during installation, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple securing functions into a single integrated retainer unit, the installation process is simplified to engaging one structure rather than multiple separate components, directly reducing the time required while maintaining the same level of security.
3Reliability
If cowlings are used to prevent movement, then forward and sideways movement is restricted, but the excavator can only be loaded in a rearward direction
Solution Approach 1:
The hook members are asymmetrically designed with angled portions that can engage with the dozer blade from multiple directions. This asymmetric geometry allows the same retainer structure to effectively restrict movement regardless of whether the excavator is loaded forward or backward, providing directional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer structure with multiple hook members serves universal securing functions for excavators loaded in different directions. The design accommodates both forward and rearward loading scenarios, making the system adaptable to various operational requirements without requiring direction-specific configurations.
4Ease of operation
If a simple retainer structure is used, then the loading process is simplified, but the ability to restrict movement in all directions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer combines multiple hook members into a single operational unit that provides comprehensive movement restriction. This merged structure maintains operational simplicity while ensuring that forward, rearward, and sideways movements are all restricted through the coordinated action of the hook members.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is segmented into multiple hook members, each responsible for restricting movement in specific directions. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain simplicity in operation while achieving comprehensive movement control through the distributed function of individual hook members.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a securing system for a trailer, and in particular to a retainer for securing an item of plant machinery, such as an excavator, to a trailer. This invention further relates to a method of securing an item of plant machinery to a trailer. 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.