Trailer Suspension Loading to Limit Kingpin Load
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for increasing the payload of semi-trailers within legal limits are either costly, unsafe, or not adaptable for semi-trailers, particularly for electric vehicles which face stricter load limits.
Innovation Solution
A method for loading a trailer with independently adjustable suspension systems, where the load on the kingpin is maintained at or below a threshold by adjusting the suspension parameters of the rearmost axle during loading, allowing for increased payload without exceeding legal limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the payload of trailers is increased by adding an axle, then the load capacity is improved, but the production cost and servicing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the suspension parameters (stiffness, damping) of existing axles dynamically during the loading process. By adjusting these parameters, the load distribution among axles is optimized to increase payload capacity without adding physical axles, thereby avoiding the increased production and servicing costs associated with additional axles.
2Quantity of substance
If the payload of trailers is increased by adding an axle, then the load capacity is improved, but the trailer length increases reducing agility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves increased load capacity by modifying suspension parameters rather than adding axles. This approach maintains the original trailer length and geometry, preserving agility while still enabling higher payload through optimized load distribution among existing axles.
3Quantity of substance
If the payload of trailers is increased by adding an axle, then the load capacity is improved, but the safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of suspension parameters with real-time load monitoring. This controlled approach ensures that load limits are not exceeded and safety requirements are maintained, unlike static axle addition which may create unstable load distributions. The system adaptively optimizes load capacity while preserving safety through continuous parameter adjustment.
4Quantity of substance
If the suspension parameter of the rearmost axle is adjusted to relieve load on the kingpin, then the payload capacity is improved, but the load distribution control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts suspension parameters of the rearmost axle to dynamically redistribute load and maintain kingpin load within legal limits. This enables increased payload capacity while managing load distribution through controlled parameter modification rather than complex mechanical structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for loading a trailer comprising: providing a trailer having at least two axles connected to a trailer chassis by independently adjustable suspension systems, the at least two axles including a frontmost axle and a rearmost axle, the trailer further comprising a kingpin configured to be removably connected to a fifth wheel of a tractor; a first loading step comprising loading the trailer until a threshold load is reached on the kingpin; and then a second loading step comprising: loading the trailer further; and adjusting a suspension parameter of the rearmost axle to ensure that the load on the kingpin remains at or below the threshold load.