Trailer with Retractable Wheels for Load Capacity and Storage Width

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle trailers are not suitable for transporting heavy loads or adults, and they are difficult to handle and store due to their fixed size and width, limiting their versatility and maneuverability.

Innovation Solution

A trailer design featuring a chassis with two wheels facing each other, equipped with four retractable rollers that change position based on usage, allowing the trailer to be towed by a two-wheeled vehicle or used as a trolley, and wheels that can be retracted into the trailer body for reduced width and storage convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the trailer is designed with a fixed size and width to transport heavy loads and adults, then the load capacity is improved, but the ease of handling and storage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidease of handling and storage
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer employs retractable wheels that can be lowered or raised based on operational needs. When transporting heavy loads, the wheels are lowered to provide stability and support. When storage or maneuvering is required, the wheels are raised to reduce the trailer's width and footprint, enabling it to pass through standard door frames and be stored compactly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retractable wheels are positioned within housings integrated into the trailer body. When retracted, the wheels nest within these housings, significantly reducing the overall width of the trailer. This nesting mechanism allows the trailer to be stored in compact spaces such as rooms or commercial premises without requiring a garage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Weight of moving object

If the trailer width is increased to accommodate heavy loads and adults, then the load capacity is improved, but the adaptability to pass through standard door frames deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidadaptability to pass through door frames
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer features dynamically adjustable width through retractable wheels. In the retracted position, the wheels are pulled inward into housings, reducing the trailer width to approximately 70-90 cm, which allows it to pass through standard door frames. When deployed, the wheels extend outward to provide the necessary support width for heavy loads and adult passengers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Weight of moving object

If the trailer is designed with a large size to transport heavy loads, then the load capacity is improved, but the productivity in terms of maneuverability and storage efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidmaneuverability and storage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable wheel mechanism enables the trailer to dynamically change its operational state. When the wheels are retracted, the trailer becomes highly maneuverable and can be easily stored in compact spaces, improving storage efficiency. When deployed, the wheels provide the structural support needed for heavy loads, maintaining load capacity while enhancing overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes vertical space by incorporating retractable wheels that move between extended and retracted positions. This dimensional change allows the trailer to transition between a compact storage configuration and an expanded operational configuration, significantly improving both maneuverability and storage efficiency without compromising load capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 the transportation of heavy loads and adults while being easy to handle and store, as the trailer can be stabilized and maneuvered like a trolley and its size can be modulated for storage, improving versatility and space efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

four shock absorbers located respectively on either side of each wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2946994B1Trailer for two-wheeled vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 POURTY MAXIME
  • EP2946994B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2946994B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2946994B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

The invention relates to a trailer (1000) for a two-wheeled vehicle, said trailer comprising a body (200) supported by a chassis (100) itself comprising an axle equipped with two wheels (113, 123), facing each other in a transverse direction of said trailer and four shock absorbers (111 a, 111 b; 121 a, 121 b) located respectively on either side of each wheel (113; 123), said trailer being characterized in that it further comprises four retractable casters (420a, 420b;420c, 420d), each wheel being mounted on an axle (417) movable in vertical translation between a first raised position, when the trailer is towed by said two-wheeled vehicle, and a second lowered position, in contact with the ground, when the trailer is not towed by said two-wheeled vehicle and in that, when the wheels are in the lowered position in contact with the ground, their position is such that the wheels (113, 123) of the axle do not touch the ground, allowing the trailer to be used in trolley mode.;