Trailer Trolley Asymmetric Converging Arm Transmission

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trailer trolley suspensions are limited in load capacity due to their design, which restricts torque generation and allow excessive longitudinal clearance and wheel skidding, especially under heavy loads.

Innovation Solution

A trailer trolley design featuring a mechanical transmission with converging arms and controlled oscillation, allowing increased load resistance and reduced clearance, with arms positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the axle and a hydraulic motor to manage movement and prevent wheel contact with trailer parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a regular articulated parallelogram transmission with parallel equal arms is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the load-resisting action or torque generated by the transmission is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-resisting actionVSAvoidtransmission structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by changing from a regular parallelogram transmission with equal parallel arms to an asymmetric transmission where the arms have different lengths and are not parallel. Specifically, the first arm is longer than the second arm, and they converge at an angle rather than remaining parallel. This asymmetric configuration increases the torque generation capability and load-resisting action while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Strength

If the arms of the transmission are spaced further apart to increase torque, then the load-resisting action improves, but the maximum longitudinal clearance becomes unacceptable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-resisting actionVSAvoidlongitudinal clearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by transitioning from a parallel arm configuration to a converging arm configuration that operates in a different geometric dimension. The arms converge at an angle, creating a triangular arrangement rather than a rectangular one. This dimensional change allows the arms to be positioned more effectively in space, generating increased torque without requiring excessive longitudinal clearance, as the converging geometry utilizes vertical and lateral spacing more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the axle is allowed to oscillate freely about the hinge axis, then the movement is unrestricted, but wheel skidding occurs frequently especially when heavily loaded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxle oscillationVSAvoidwheel skidding
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a damping mechanism that pre-empts and counteracts the oscillatory movements of the axle before they can cause wheel skidding. The damper is positioned to resist axial oscillations of the axle about the hinge axis, applying a counteracting force that prevents the excessive movement that would lead to skidding. This preliminary resistance maintains reliable wheel contact with the ground while still allowing necessary suspension movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

This design enhances load capacity, reduces longitudinal clearance, and prevents wheel skidding, enabling closer axle spacing and increased payload per unit area while ensuring smooth transport over uneven surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic suspension between the pivot and the axle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a mechanical transmission interposed between the connecting structure and said axle... comprising at least a first and at least a second arm, both hinged to said connecting structure and converging with each other and with said connecting structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

a hinge allowing said axle to oscillate with respect to said connecting structure about a hinge axis perpendicular to said common axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentEP2325030B1Trailer trolley
Publication Date: 2013.08.21 IND COMETTO
  • EP2325030B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2325030B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The load bed (2) of a trailer (1) is supported on a number of trolleys (4), each of which has an axle (5) having an intermediate portion (6), two hubs (7) rotating about a common axis of rotation (5a), and a suspension (13) having a connecting structure (14), a mechanical transmission (18) interposed between the connecting structure (14) and the axle (5), and a hinge pin (26) allowing the axle (5) to oscillate with respect to the connecting structure (14) about an axis (27) perpendicular to the common axis (5a); the transmission (18) having at least a first arm (19) and at least a second arm (20), both hinged to the connecting structure (14) and converging with each other and with the connecting structure (14); the first arm (19) being hinged directly to the hinge pin (26); and the second arm (20) being connected to the intermediate portion (6) by an angular relative-motion device (29).