Trailer Assembly with Segmented Skeletal Frame for Proppant Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation of large quantities of proppant material for hydraulic fracturing poses logistical challenges due to weight and height limitations, stability issues during transport, and the need for efficient distribution of load to comply with regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A trailer assembly with a skeletal frame structure, featuring a lower-elevated middle section and a series of outriggers and wheel and axle assemblies, designed to distribute and stabilize the load, allowing for increased weight capacity while adhering to highway regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large amounts of proppant are transported on a single trailer, then transportation efficiency is improved, but weight and height limitations are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer assembly is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) with different elevations, allowing the proppant load to be segmented and distributed across these sections. This segmentation enables the trailer to carry larger total weights while maintaining compliance with single-axle weight limits through proper load distribution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If proppant containers are positioned high on the trailer, then load distribution is improved, but height limitations are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer assembly utilizes a three-dimensional configuration with multiple elevations (first section at higher elevation, second section at lower elevation, third section at higher elevation). This dimensional approach allows the load to be distributed across different vertical levels, improving stability while keeping the overall height within regulatory limits by utilizing the horizontal spacing between outriggers.
3Strength
If the trailer frame is made stronger to support heavier loads, then weight capacity is improved, but the frame weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple sections with different elevations and functions. The first section includes outriggers for lateral support, the second section provides a lower platform for proppant containers, and the third section includes additional outriggers. This segmentation allows each portion of the frame to be optimized for its specific function, providing necessary strength while minimizing overall frame weight through selective reinforcement only where structurally required.
4Stability of the object's composition
If outriggers are extended wider to stabilize the load, then stability is improved, but the trailer width exceeds road regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The outriggers are designed to be extendable and adjustable, allowing the width to be optimized for stability during loading and transport operations. The outriggers can be positioned to provide adequate lateral support for the proppant containers while retracted or positioned within regulatory width limits during actual road transport, providing dynamic adaptability between operational and travel states.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a trailer assembly for transporting a plurality of proppant containers along a roadway, and associated methods. The trailer assembly includes a skeletal frame having open areas between structural components to enhance weight reduction of the frame, and first, second, third, and connector sections. Additionally, the frame includes a pair of spaced-apart side rails and three or more wheel and axle assemblies to facilitate movement of the trailer assembly. The trailer assembly includes a first pair of outriggers coupled to and arranged transverse the pair of side rails, and a second pair of outriggers arranged proximate the first pair of outriggers. The outriggers have a coupling element positioned at each distal end to engage and secure a proppant container of the plurality of proppant containers to the trailer assembly. Each distal end is positioned to extend outwardly from an axis of the trailer.