Trailer Stabilizing Structure Using Tension Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer designs suffer from instability during transport due to body roll, misalignment, and fatigue in steel beams, which lead to reduced cargo capacity and potential beam failure.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing structure utilizing tension cables with high tensile strength, lightweight design, and adjustable preload, coupled to the trailer's bottom frame to prevent body roll, maintain wall stability, and align the trailer with the pulling vehicle, while minimizing fatigue through tension and compression resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If steel beams are added for rigidity, then structural stability is improved, but weight increases and cargo capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid steel beams with tension cables that provide structural stability through flexible tensile elements. The cables are arranged in a configuration that allows them to resist body roll and maintain trailer stability without the weight penalty of traditional steel beams, effectively using flexible elements to achieve rigid structural performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural approach from compression-based rigid beams to tension-based flexible cables. By altering the fundamental mechanical parameter from compression to tension, the system achieves comparable or superior stability with significantly reduced weight, as tension cables can be optimized for high strength-to-weight ratio.
2Stability of the object's composition
If steel beams are added for rigidity, then structural stability is improved, but fatigue resistance deteriorates due to stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The tension cable system eliminates the stress concentration problems associated with rigid steel beams by using flexible elements that can distribute loads more evenly. The cables' flexibility prevents stress concentration at specific points, thereby improving fatigue resistance while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic tension cables that can adapt to varying loads and movements, rather than static rigid beams. This dynamic capability allows the cable system to absorb and distribute stresses more effectively, reducing fatigue accumulation and improving long-term reliability under repeated use.
3Weight of moving object
If tension cables are used instead of steel beams, then weight is reduced and cargo capacity increases, but structural rigidity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tension cables provide sufficient structural rigidity for trailer stability while maintaining lightweight construction. The cables are configured and tensioned to provide the necessary rigidity for preventing body roll and maintaining trailer shape, achieving a balance between weight reduction and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary tensioning to the cables during installation, pre-loading them to provide immediate structural support. This preliminary action ensures that the cable system achieves the required rigidity levels from the outset, eliminating the need for additional weighting while maintaining structural integrity.
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
Enhances dynamic structural stability, reduces added weight, and minimizes fatigue over repeated use, thereby improving the trailer's stability and payload capacity.
Implementation Method 1
the stabilizing structure utilizes tension cables to prevent or reduce body roll of the trailer
Implementation Method 2
minimizes fatigue over repeated use
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilizing structure for increasing structural stability of a trailer is provided. The stabilizing structure includes one or more stabilizing units having tension cables and coupling mounts connecting the tension cables to a bottom frame of the trailer. The tension cables are arranged such that a first tension cable overlaps a second tension cable. The tension cables may have threaded ends that are connected to the coupling mounts. A support plate may be provided wherein the support plate is positioned at an intersection of the two tension cables such that a first tension cable is below the support plate and a second tension cable is above the support plate. A single support plate may connect tension cables of adjacent stabilizing units.