Vehicle-Mounted Trailer Support Coupling for Safe Forward Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer supports are poorly maneuverable, require manual operation, and pose safety risks to operators due to the need for direct interaction, especially in congested loading facilities, and do not effectively prevent trailer tipping.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted apparatus with a movable support structure and actuator system that allows for remote coupling and maneuvering of trailer supports, enabling forward deployment and lifting without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manually placed trailer supports are used, then the operator can position the support under the trailer, but the operator is exposed to safety risks and injury from potential trailer collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary vehicle as an intermediary carrier that transports the trailer support to the work area. The support is then deployed using a deployment device with contact members that engage the support without requiring the operator to be underneath the trailer. This mediator approach eliminates direct operator exposure to collapse hazards while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer support is designed with self-deployment capabilities through the deployment device. The contact members automatically engage with the support structure, and the system can position and deploy the support without continuous manual intervention. The support structure itself includes engagement features that facilitate automatic coupling with the deployment device.
2Ease of operation
If shuntable trailer supports mounted on wheels are used, then the support can be maneuvered by an auxiliary vehicle, but the reversing and backing-up operations reduce maneuverability in congested facilities
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of backing up the auxiliary vehicle to position the trailer support (traditional shuntable approach), the patent inverts the maneuvering approach by having the vehicle drive forward and use the deployment device to push or pull the support into position. The contact members engage the support and physically move it forward, eliminating the need for reversing operations and improving positioning efficiency in congested areas.
3Extent of automation
If mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic jacks are used in trailer supports, then the support can be positioned via the auxiliary vehicle, but the operator must hook up, make adjustments, and disconnect devices while on or around the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the auxiliary vehicle as a remote intermediary for operating the trailer support. The deployment device mounted on the vehicle includes contact members that engage the support from a distance, allowing the operator to control the support positioning from the safety of the vehicle cabin rather than being exposed to hazards underneath or near the trailer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic jack systems with a simpler deployment device that uses direct contact members (such as forks or beams) to engage and position the trailer support. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to make adjustments to complex mechanisms while exposed to hazards, as the system relies on straightforward mechanical engagement and movement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the trailer is supported only by its landing gear, then the trailer is freestanding without mechanical connection, but the landing gear cannot accommodate the weight of a fully loaded trailer or dynamic forces from forklift movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the trailer's existing landing gear support function with an additional trailer support structure positioned underneath the trailer. The deployment device places this support in conjunction with the landing gear, creating a combined support system that distributes the trailer's weight and can handle dynamic forces from forklift operations, while maintaining the freestanding capability without requiring permanent mechanical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that is mounted to a vehicle for manipulating and/or maneuvering a trailer support. The apparatus comprises first and second support structures with first and second contact members. The first support structure is movable relative to the apparatus frame between at least a first position and a second position. The first contact member of the first support structure can be releasably received by the trailer support to releasably couple the trailer support to the apparatus. By releasably coupling the trailer support to the apparatus mounted on the vehicle, the trailer support can be manipulated and/or maneuvered such as moved along a ground surface, or lifted off the ground surface and oved around relative to the ground surface, and positioned beneath the nose of a trailer by the apparatus and the vehicle.