Trailer Support Wheel Assembly With Removable Electric Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support wheels for vehicle trailers require manual adjustment via a hand crank, which is physically demanding, and there is a need for an automated solution that is compatible with existing trailers and can be retrofitted.
Innovation Solution
A support wheel assembly with an electrically operated adjustment unit featuring an electric motor, a power supply unit, and a removable power source, allowing height adjustment without manual effort and compatible with existing trailers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment via hand crank is used, then the support wheel can be adjusted, but high physical effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical hand crank system with an electric motor-driven adjustment mechanism. The electric motor automatically adjusts the support wheel height, eliminating the need for manual cranking and significantly reducing the physical effort required from the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to operate autonomously using an integrated power supply unit with removable power source. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting the support wheel height without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation.
2Extent of automation
If the adjustment unit is integrated into the support wheel, then automation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment unit is designed as a separable module that can be independently attached to or removed from the support wheel assembly. This segmentation allows the automated adjustment mechanism to function as a complete unit while simplifying installation, maintenance, and storage, thereby managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment unit is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to be attached to various support wheel configurations. The modular design with standardized mounting interfaces enables the same automated adjustment mechanism to serve multiple applications, justifying the added complexity through enhanced versatility.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the power source is permanently installed, then continuous power is available, but safety risks increase due to unintentional adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is designed to be dynamically connectable and disconnectable from the adjustment unit. This dynamic configuration allows the system to transition between powered and unpowered states, enabling operators to ensure safety by removing the power source when adjustment is not needed, while maintaining power availability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
A holder or mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the power source and the adjustment unit. This intermediary provides a secure connection interface that allows easy attachment and detachment, mediating between the need for continuous power and the need for safety control by requiring deliberate action to connect or disconnect the power source.
4Ease of operation
If the power source is removable without tools, then ease of replacement is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface between the power source and the adjustment unit is segmented into complementary mating components with precise geometric features. This segmentation allows tool-free attachment and detachment while maintaining reliable electrical and mechanical connections through the precisely fitted interface components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface incorporates localized features such as spring-loaded contacts, snap-fit mechanisms, or bayonet connectors that provide both ease of tool-free operation and reliable connection. These locally optimized features ensure secure electrical contact and mechanical stability without requiring tools for attachment or detachment.
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
The electrically operated adjustment unit simplifies the operation of support wheels, ensuring they can be adjusted independently of the towing vehicle, preventing unintentional adjustments, and allowing easy retrofitting and power source replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment unit has an electric motor and a power supply unit for the electric motor. The electric motor is operatively connected to the lifting mechanism of the support wheel.
Data Source
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AI summary
A support wheel assembly (20) for a vehicle trailer (10) comprises a support wheel (22) with an outer tube (26), an inner tube (28) which is axially displaceable relative to the outer tube (26) by means of a lifting mechanism (30) of the support wheel (22), and a wheel (34) which is attached to a lower axial end of the inner tube (28). The support wheel assembly (20) further comprises an electrically operated adjustment unit (24) which is attached to the outer tube (26) of the support wheel (22). The adjustment unit (24) has an electric motor (36) and a power supply unit (42) for the electric motor (36). The electric motor (36) is operatively connected to the lifting mechanism (30) of the support wheel (22). The power supply device (42) has a holder (44) and a power source (46) which is repeatedly removable and insertable into the holder (44).Furthermore, an electrically operated adjustment unit (24) for such a support wheel assembly (20) for a vehicle trailer with an electric motor (36) and a power supply unit (42) for the electric motor (36) is shown.