Variable Width Trailer With Pivotal Extension Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wide trailers are cumbersome and time-consuming to widen or narrow due to heavy and non-extensible ribs, making them difficult to transport wide loads efficiently on roadways, especially when transitioning between different field requirements.
Innovation Solution
A trailer design featuring pivotally attached extension platforms and secondary platforms that can be hydraulically extended or retracted to accommodate wide loads, allowing for easy adjustment between standard and wide transport configurations, with ramps for loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional wide trailers use heavy and non-extensible ribs to maintain structural strength, then the trailer can carry heavy loads, but the trailer becomes difficult and time-consuming to widen or narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer structure is divided into a central frame and multiple extendable ribs that can be independently deployed. The ribs are segmented into sections that can be extended outward from the central frame, allowing the trailer width to be adjusted without moving the entire structure. This segmentation enables rapid width adjustment while maintaining structural integrity through the centralized frame design.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The ribs are designed to be extendable and retractable, allowing the trailer to dynamically change its width configuration. This dynamic capability enables the trailer to adapt between narrow and wide configurations rapidly, resolving the time loss associated with conventional static wide trailers.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional wide trailers are designed to carry very heavy loads, then the trailers can transport wide agricultural machinery, but the trailers become extremely robust and heavy making them difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy load capacity is achieved through a centralized robust frame structure rather than distributing weight throughout the entire trailer body. The ribs that extend outward are designed to be lighter and more maneuverable, while the central frame maintains the structural strength needed to support heavy agricultural machinery. This segmentation of structural elements allows the trailer to be both strong enough for heavy loads and easier to maneuver.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer is designed with multi-functionality to handle both heavy load transport and easy maneuvering requirements. The extendable rib system allows the same trailer to operate in different configurations - narrow for easy maneuvering on roadways and wide for transporting oversized agricultural equipment. This universal design eliminates the need for separate specialized trailers for different operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the trailer width is increased to transport wide objects, then the trailer can accommodate combines and other wide machinery, but the trailer occupies more than one travel lane requiring special indicators and chase vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer employs a dynamic width adjustment system where the ribs can be extended to accommodate wide agricultural machinery and then retracted for roadway travel. This dynamic capability allows the trailer to adapt its width to the specific transport requirements while minimizing roadway occupation during normal travel, reducing the need for special safety measures and improving overall roadway safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer width is periodically adjusted based on operational requirements - extended when loading wide agricultural machinery at the facility, transported in the extended configuration to the field, and then retracted for the return journey. This periodic adjustment of width allows the trailer to fulfill its transport function while minimizing the time it occupies multiple travel lanes, thereby reducing roadway safety hazards.
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
Enables efficient transportation of wide agricultural machinery by allowing the trailer to adapt its width quickly, reducing transit time and ensuring safe passage on standard roadways, while maintaining stability and preventing damage from heavy loads.
Implementation Method 1
A trailer design featuring pivotally attached extension platforms and secondary platforms that can be hydraulically extended or retracted
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the trailer has an extension platform having a first side and a second side. The first side of the extension platform is pivotally connected to at least a portion of a side of the trailer. The extension platform is movable by way of the pivotal connection between a position that is substantially perpendicular to the trailer and a position that is substantially parallel to the trailer. A secondary platform is pivotally connected to the second side of the extension platform. The secondary platform is movable by way of the pivotal connection between a first position that is substantially perpendicular to the extension platform and a second position that is substantially parallel to the extension platform.