Vehicle Transporter Trailing Axle Loading Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle transporters have limited loading volume and payload capacity due to unfavorable axle arrangements and tire designs, restricting the transport of larger vehicles and requiring complex support structures, which are inflexible and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle transporter design featuring a towing vehicle with a front and rear axle, a superstructure with a fixed trailing axle, and a trailer with mixed axle units (single and twin tires) that allows vehicles to be partially immersed between wheels, increasing loading space and payload capacity while using a conventional tractor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional axle arrangements with twin tires are used, then payload capacity is sufficient, but loading volume is limited due to wheel spacing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading volumeVSAvoidpayload capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The axle unit is segmented into two distinct axles: a first axle with single tires for maximizing loading volume, and a second axle with twin tires for providing sufficient payload capacity. This segmentation allows each axle to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between loading volume and payload capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the axle unit have different tire configurations optimized for different purposes. The first axle area is designed with single tires and larger wheel spacing to accommodate vehicles and maximize loading volume, while the second axle area uses twin tires for load-bearing capacity. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying the right tire configuration in the right location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of stationary object

If single-tire axle units are used, then loading volume increases, but payload capacity becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading spaceVSAvoidpayload
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two different axle units (single-tire axle and twin-tire axle) into one integrated axle unit. The single-tire portion provides the loading space, while the twin-tire portion provides the payload capacity, combining the advantages of both configurations to resolve the contradiction between loading space and payload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If detachable superstructures are used, then flexibility and prefabrication are improved, but complex support structures are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The superstructure is designed with a self-supporting frame that maintains stability during detachment and coupling operations. The frame is preliminarily configured to bear its own weight and provide structural integrity without requiring external support devices, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If the superstructure is pivotably connected to the towing vehicle, then coupling flexibility is improved, but stability during transport is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling flexibilityVSAvoidtransport stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is designed to be dynamic, allowing pivoting motion during coupling and detachment operations for ease of operation. Once coupled, the system transitions to a stable locked position that maintains transport stability. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing flexibility when needed and stability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2380770B1Transport vehicle, in particular vehicle transporter for cars
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 MERKEL RICO
  • EP2380770B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2380770B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A towing vehicle (1) has a driver's cab (1.1), a loading space/saddle space (1.2) and front (1.3) and rear (1.4) driving axles. A first supporting structure (2.2) fits on a structural frame (2.1) and has adjustable support elements (2.3) for holding motor vehicles (F,F1). The structural frame drops down (here on the ground) and then extends again horizontally backwards. In an area extending downwards, the structure has a trailing axle (2.4) fitted with tires (2.5) in the form of single tires.