Trailer Support Wheel Automatic Positioning via Inlet Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for trailers require manual alignment and positioning of the support wheel when cranking it into its non-use end position, making the process cumbersome and limiting user convenience.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a first inlet element, designed as an inlet ring with a groove tapering towards the inner circumference, and a second inlet element, such as an inlet nose, allows for automatic positioning of the support wheel by guiding it into a predetermined angular position as the inner tube retracts into the outer tube, eliminating the need for manual alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment of the support wheel is required during cranking, then the support device can be kept simple in structure, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must manually position the wheel from predetermined angles
Solution Approach 1:
The support wheel automatically guides itself into the predetermined angular position through the interaction between the groove in the inlet ring and the guide nose during the cranking process. The system performs the alignment function autonomously without requiring user intervention, as the geometric features of the inlet elements inherently direct the wheel to the correct position as the inner tube retracts into the outer tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet elements (inlet ring with groove and guide nose) serve as intermediary components that mediate between the user's cranking action and the support wheel's positioning. These elements facilitate the automatic alignment by providing a mechanical interface that guides the wheel into the predetermined angular position during the retraction process.
2Ease of operation
If inlet elements are added to enable automatic positioning, then the ease of operation improves, but the ease of manufacture and retrofitting may worsen due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet elements are segmented into two separate components: the inlet ring with groove that attaches to the outer tube, and the guide nose that attaches to the inner tube or support wheel assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes and enables retrofitting of existing support devices by adding these separate elements without replacing the entire mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The device has an outer pipe (1) fastened at a trailer drawbar, and an inner pipe telescopically, vertically and adjustably held in the outer pipe by a crank handle (2). Wheel lugs (5) are fastened at an end of the inner pipe and projected against the outer pipe. A support wheel (4) is mounted between the wheel lugs. An inlet element (6) is connected with another inlet element (7) such that the support wheel is pivoted in a predetermined angular position during retraction of the inner pipe into the outer pipe before reaching a retracted end position of the inner pipe. The former inlet element is designed as an inlet ring, and the latter inlet element is designed as an inlet funnel.