Under-Bed Jack Cradle for Stable Modular Trailer Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular trailer systems require extensive time, labor, and materials for transporting large and heavy objects, leading to increased CO2 footprint and stability issues due to high load bed supports, which limit versatility and increase the height of the trailer system, affecting stability and requiring additional space.
Innovation Solution
A trailer system with a first trailer module equipped with a primary loading bed connector and a jack system where the jack cradle is positioned below the loading bed, allowing for rigid connection to other modules and enabling vertical and horizontal movement without the need for separate jacks, reducing the overall height and increasing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loading bed supports are used to lift the object, then the object can be fully supported on the loading bed, but the overall height of the trailer system increases and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing supports above the loading bed to lift objects, the patent inverts the support structure by positioning the jack cradle below the loading bed. The jack cradle with jack holder extends downward from the loading bed connector, allowing the object to be lifted from underneath while keeping the support mechanism compact and low-profile, thus maintaining trailer stability while achieving full support capability.
2Reliability
If loading bed supports are used to lift the object, then the object can be fully supported on the loading bed, but more free space is needed below the object
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is inverted by positioning the jack cradle and jack holder below the loading bed rather than above it. This configuration reduces the vertical space requirement below the object while maintaining full support capability, as the lifting mechanism is integrated into the loading bed structure from the underneath side.
3Ease of operation
If separate jacks are used for lifting, then the loading bed can be moved vertically, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jack cradle is merged with the loading bed connector, integrating the lifting function directly into the loading bed structure. The jack holder is positioned as part of the connector assembly, eliminating the need for separate, standalone jack systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining vertical movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading bed connector serves multiple functions: it connects trailer modules together and simultaneously houses the jack cradle for vertical lifting. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate lifting devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
4Length of moving object
If high load bed supports are used, then the object can be lifted to significant height, but the trailer system stability is affected due to high centre of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is inverted by positioning the jack cradle below the loading bed instead of above it. This configuration allows the object to be lifted to the required height while keeping the support mechanism's center of gravity low, near the ground, thereby maintaining trailer system stability even when objects are lifted to significant heights.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention pertains to a trailer jack system for moving a trailer load in a vertical direction relative to a loading bed of a first trailer module, wherein the first trailer module comprises a primary loading bed connector for rigidly connecting the loading bed of the first trailer module to a loading bed of a further trailer module to form a combined rigid loading bed, which primary loading bed connector is arranged below the loading bed of the first trailer module, which trailer jack system comprises a first jack cradle, which comprises: - a jack holder, and a jack which is accommodated in the jack holder, - a primary cradle connector, which is adapted to engage the primary loading bed connector of the first trailer module and therewith to connect the first jack cradle to the first trailer module, wherein the jack holder of the first jack cradle extends at least partly below the primary cradle connector.