Trailer Slide Frame Rails for Battery Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer designs lack the structural support necessary to accommodate the weight of electric storage batteries, which is a challenge for retrofitting trailers with electric power systems.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained battery and slide frame system that houses trailer axles and an electrical vehicle storage battery, supported by parallel slide frame rails that attach to the underside of a trailer, allowing for the distribution of weight to the axles and road surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional trailer designs are used, then the trailer structure remains simple and compatible with standard tractors, but the trailer frame cannot support the weight of electric storage batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer system is divided into two independent structural components: the original trailer frame and the added slide frame assembly. The slide frame includes parallel rails that attach to the trailer frame, creating separate load-bearing pathways. This segmentation allows the battery weight to be carried by the slide frame and axles rather than the trailer frame, resolving the strength limitation while maintaining structural simplicity through modular addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide frame assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the battery and the trailer frame. It includes parallel rails that distribute the battery weight to the axles, which then transfer the load to the road surface. This intermediary mechanism enables the trailer to support heavy batteries without requiring modifications to the original trailer frame design.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electric storage batteries are installed in conventional trailers, then electric power capability is achieved, but the trailer frame becomes overloaded with excessive weight
Solution Approach 1:
The battery weight support function is extracted from the trailer frame and assigned to a separate slide frame assembly. The parallel rails of the slide frame directly connect the battery to the axles, creating an independent load path. This extraction allows the trailer frame to remain unloaded while the battery provides electric power capability, resolving the weight overload problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The load path is shifted from a vertical dimension (trailer frame bearing weight) to a horizontal dimension (slide frame rails distributing weight to axles). The parallel rails extend along the trailer underside, creating a distributed load path that transfers battery weight to multiple axle contact points, effectively reducing the concentrated load on the trailer frame.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the trailer frame supports battery weight, then structural integration is achieved, but the trailer cannot accommodate batteries without significant design modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The slide frame assembly is designed as a pre-fabricated unit with parallel rails and mounting components that can be installed on existing trailers without modifying the original frame. The assembly includes all necessary connection elements for attaching to standard trailer axles and frame members, enabling easy retrofitting while achieving stable structural integration of the battery system.
Data Source
AI summary
A self contained battery and slide frame houses a pair of trailer axles and an electrical vehicle storage battery secured by parallel slide frame rails adapted for attachment to an underside of a standard tractor trailer (Class 8) trailer frame. The slide frame attaches to an underside of a trailer using perforated frame beams used to vary a position of the wheel/axle assemblies relative to the trailer body and payload. The slide frame rails provide self contained support for a storage battery, e-axle, control electronics and connecting wires for charging and running a vehicle load from the storage battery. Vehicle loads powered by the storage battery include transport refrigeration units (TRUs) and electrical vehicle (EV) tractors.