Trailer Suspension Isolation for Harsh Terrain Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transportation solutions for harsh terrains, such as ice and snow, are inadequate for comfortably transporting multiple people and supplies in an enclosed environment, offering little protection from the elements and limited storage capacity, and are not designed to smoothly follow large-scale vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A trailer system with a cabin, skis, and suspension assemblies that isolate the skis from the cabin, allowing for smooth tracking and buoyancy in water, equipped with amenities like heating and latched holes, and an actuator system for raising and lowering the cabin, providing a stable and comfortable enclosed space for passengers and supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ice sleds are used for towing behind snowmobiles or ATVs, then some equipment can be transported, but the protection against harsh winter elements is minimal and storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer system divides the transport solution into separate functional components: an enclosed cabin for passenger protection and storage, ski assemblies for terrain traversal, and suspension assemblies for shock isolation. This segmentation allows the cabin to provide both environmental protection and storage capacity simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple functions within the cabin structure: passengers are protected from elements while supplies are stored in the same enclosed space. The cabin acts as a container that simultaneously provides thermal protection and storage capacity for equipment
2Ease of operation
If snowmobiles or ATVs are used for transportation, then mobility over ice and snow is achieved, but protection against harsh elements is minimal and comfortable long-distance travel is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed cabin acts as an intermediary between the harsh external environment and the passengers. It provides thermal insulation and protection from wind, snow, and ice while allowing passengers to travel comfortably over long distances behind the snowmobile or ATV
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the propulsion function (snowmobile/ATV) from the passenger protection function (trailer cabin). This allows the powered vehicle to provide mobility while the enclosed trailer provides comfort and protection during extended travel
3Quantity of substance
If large scale powered vehicles like SNOBEAR or THE GRIZZ are used, then occupancy and storage space are increased, but the ability to smoothly follow behind the towing vehicle is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension assemblies incorporate dynamic elements that allow the ski assemblies to adapt to terrain variations. The pivot points enable the skis to move independently, allowing the trailer to smoothly track behind the towing vehicle while maintaining stability across uneven snow and ice surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer system divides the landing gear into separate ski assemblies, each with its own suspension and pivot points. This segmentation allows each ski to independently respond to terrain variations, improving overall tracking stability while supporting increased occupancy and storage capacity
4Quantity of substance
If ice sleds are used for towing, then some equipment can be transported, but only minimal storage space is provided and passengers cannot ride in the sled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the passenger cabin and equipment storage into a single enclosed trailer structure. Passengers ride comfortably inside the heated cabin while equipment is stored in the same protected space, eliminating the need for separate sleds for passengers and gear
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 trailer system effectively transports multiple passengers and supplies over harsh terrains like ice, snow, and wetlands, offering a stable and comfortable ride, enhanced protection from the elements, and the ability to float in water, addressing the limitations of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The suspension assemblies incorporate multiple pivot points that effectively isolate the skis from cabin, and promote true 'tracking' of the trailer system relative to the towing vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the cabin has a highly buoyant construction, allowing the trailer system to float in water
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer system for transporting multiple adult passengers and/or supplies over harsh terrain (e.g., snow, ice, wetland, etc.) when towed behind a vehicle. The trailer system includes a cabin, first and second skis, and first and second suspension assemblies. The suspension assemblies connect the skis, respectively, with the cabin. The suspension assemblies incorporate multiple pivot points that effectively isolate the skis from cabin, and promote true “tracking” of the trailer system relative to the towing vehicle. In some embodiments, the cabin has a highly buoyant construction, allowing the trailer system to float in water.