Trailer Linkage with Roll Joint for Zero Turn Radius Maneuvering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trailers are difficult to maneuver behind zero turn radius tractors due to 'jackknifing' or sideways sliding, which can damage lawn vegetation and lead to undesirable tipping.

Innovation Solution

A trailer system with a platform and linkage design that allows for rotation and pivoting, featuring swivel mountings and a roll joint, minimizing restrictions on tractor movement and preventing lateral sliding of wheels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional trailer is used with a zero turn radius tractor, then the trailer can be attached and transported, but the trailer experiences jackknifing and sideways sliding that damages lawn vegetation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailer compatibilityVSAvoidlawn vegetation damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer linkage system employs dynamic pivoting capabilities with a roll joint that allows the trailer to rotate about its longitudinal axis, enabling the trailer to adapt to the zero turn radius tractor's movement patterns and prevent lateral sliding that damages vegetation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the trailer by introducing swivel mountings and a roll joint that permit rotational movement, transforming the trailer from a rigid structure to one that can dynamically adjust its orientation to match the tractor's turning motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a conventional trailer linkage is used, then the trailer can be connected to the tractor, but the trailer tips due to restricted movement during zero turn radius maneuvers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailer maneuverabilityVSAvoidtrailer stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The roll joint and swivel mountings create a dynamic linkage system that allows the trailer to pivot and rotate during zero turn radius maneuvers, maintaining stability by accommodating rather than resisting the tractor's movement patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage system is segmented into multiple pivoting joints including a forward mount, rearward mount, and roll joint, allowing different parts of the trailer to move independently and maintain stability during complex maneuvers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a rigid trailer linkage is used, then the trailer structure is simple and strong, but the trailer cannot accommodate zero turn radius movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelinkage structureVSAvoidtractor movement accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic system with multiple pivoting joints, including a roll joint that enables the trailer to rotate about its longitudinal axis, accommodating zero turn radius movements while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9987890B1Trailer system for a zero turn radius vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 S JANS CONTRACTING LLC

AI summary

A trailer for a tractor may include a platform having a frame with an axle frame member and swivel mountings, and a pair of wheels each being mounted to rotate and swivel. A linkage connects the platform to the tractor, with a forward mount configured to mount on the tractor and permit the linkage to pivot about a pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the trailer. The linkage has a rearward mount configured to mount on the platform and permit the linkage to pivot about a roll axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. In embodiments, the rearward mount includes a roll joint located at a juncture of the linkage and the platform, and the juncture is located substantially in a vertical lateral plane extending between the swivel mountings of the platform.