THREE-AXIS PNEUMATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED TRAILER MANEUVERABILITY AND STABILITY

Abstract

7. ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a three-axis pneumatic suspension system for trailers, designed to enable multidirectional unloading of materials with precision and efficiency. The system integrates a robust mechanical arrangement, including gears, linkages, and rotational axes, with an advanced pneumatic system comprising compressed air tanks, a vehicle-driven compressor, directional valves, and pneumatic cylinders. This combination allows the unloading platform to tilt and rotate in rearward, leftward, and rightward directions. The operator controls the system through a user-friendly interface, enabling precise movement and unloading in confined spaces or challenging environments. Safety features, such as interlocks and pressure relief valves, ensure secure operation, while the system’s integration with the vehicle’s engine minimizes energy consumption. This invention enhances operational flexibility, reduces manual effort, and improves safety, making it suitable for diverse industries such as construction, logistics, and agriculture. It offers a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for material handling operations. The figure associated with the abstract is Fig. 1.

Specification

Description:4. DESCRIPTION
Technical Field of the invention

The present invention pertains to the field of mechanical engineering, specifically to the design and development of advanced trailers equipped with pneumatic suspension systems. The invention is particularly directed toward improving the maneuverability and stability of trailers used for material transportation, with a focus on enhancing unloading capabilities in confined spaces and challenging operational conditions.

Background of the invention

Conventional trailers, widely used in material transportation, are integral to various industries such as construction, agriculture, and logistics. Despite their importance, these trailers are often constrained by significant limitations in their unloading capabilities. The most common designs restrict unloading to a single direction, typically rearward, making them unsuitable for dynamic operational environments where unloading from specific angles or in confined spaces is critical. This one-directional unloading approach leads to numerous challenges in material handling operations.

In confined areas, such as urban construction sites, narrow warehouses, or agricultural fields, repositioning the trailer to align with the unloading point is often cumbersome and time-consuming. This not only decreases operational efficiency but also demands significant manual effort, increasing the physical strain on workers and adding to labour costs. Moreover, these constraints can lead to logistical inefficiencies, as additional resources may be required to manage materials after unloading. The rigidity of traditional trailers can also result in accidents, especially when operators are forced to maneuver in tight spaces or on uneven terrains, further compromising safety.

To address these persistent challenges, the present invention introduces an advanced pneumatic suspension system integrated into the trailer design. This novel system enables multidirectional unloading, allowing materials to be offloaded to the rear, left, or right with precision. The use of a pneumatic mechanism offers smooth and controlled movements, reducing the dependency on manual handling and enhancing operational flexibility. By providing a practical solution to the limitations of traditional trailers, this invention not only optimizes material handling processes but also significantly improves workplace safety and efficiency. Its adaptability across diverse industries highlights its potential to transform how materials are transported and unloaded, offering a versatile, cost-effective, and user-friendly alternative to conventional trailer systems.

Brief Summary of the invention

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure, and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

It is a primary object of the present invention to develop a multidirectional unloading system for trailers that enables the controlled movement of the unloading platform in multiple directions.

It is yet another object of invention is to improve the operational efficiency and flexibility of material handling processes while minimizing manual intervention.

It is yet another object of invention is enhancing safety by reducing the risk of accidents, providing a cost-effective solution for diverse industries and offering an environmentally friendly design that optimizes resource utilization.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a revolutionary three-axis pneumatic suspension system that is seamlessly integrated into a trailer to address the limitations of conventional material handling and transportation systems. This innovative system allows the unloading platform to move in multiple directions, providing unmatched flexibility and adaptability in diverse operational scenarios. Traditional trailers are restricted to unloading materials in a single direction, usually rearward, which often leads to inefficiencies, particularly in confined spaces or environments requiring specific unloading orientations. This invention overcomes these challenges by enabling the trailer to unload materials to the rear, left, or right with precision and ease, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

In accordance to an aspect of the present invention, the heart of this invention lies a sophisticated combination of mechanical and pneumatic systems, designed to work harmoniously for optimal performance. The mechanical arrangement incorporates gears, linkages, and rotational axes that facilitate precise and controlled movement of the unloading platform. These components ensure the platform can tilt or rotate in multiple directions, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The design is robust, durable, and engineered to handle substantial loads, ensuring reliability and longevity in demanding industrial conditions.

In accordance to an aspect of the present invention, the mechanical system is the advanced pneumatic mechanism, which plays a pivotal role in the operation of the trailer. This pneumatic system comprises compressed air tanks, valves, actuators, and a vehicle-driven compressor. The compressor, powered by the trailer's engine, generates and stores compressed air in the tanks, ensuring a consistent and reliable power source for the system. The actuators are strategically positioned to actuate the movement of the platform in the desired direction. The flow of compressed air is precisely controlled using directional valves, enabling smooth and efficient operation. This integration of pneumatic components ensures the system operates with minimal manual effort while delivering high precision.

In accordance to an aspect of the present invention, the system's user-friendly control mechanism allows the operator to manage the movement of the unloading platform effortlessly. Using an intuitive control panel, the operator can select the desired unloading direction and adjust the platform's movement with precision. This not only reduces the physical strain on the operator but also minimizes the time required for material handling tasks. The ability to control the speed and direction of unloading enhances the accuracy of material placement, reducing the risk of spillage or damage during the unloading process.

In accordance to an aspect of the present invention, a prototype has been developed and tested to validate the effectiveness and practicality of this innovative system. The results of these tests have demonstrated substantial improvements over traditional trailers in terms of flexibility, safety, and cost efficiency. The multidirectional unloading capability significantly reduces the need for manual repositioning of the trailer, improving workflow efficiency. The system also enhances workplace safety by minimizing the risks associated with manual handling and maneuvering in confined spaces. Additionally, the integration of the compressor with the vehicle's engine makes the system energy-efficient and cost-effective, contributing to reduced operational costs and environmental impact.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with an appended drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates the flowchart illustrating the components and their connections in the three-axis pneumatic suspension system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates the prototype of the three-axis pneumatic suspension system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates the three-axis pneumatic suspension system unloading back side, right side, left side, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the invention

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Further, the use of terms "first", "second", and "third", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a novel three-axis pneumatic suspension system integrated into a trailer, designed to address the inherent limitations of conventional material handling trailers. This invention introduces an advanced mechanical and pneumatic arrangement that enables multidirectional unloading, offering unparalleled flexibility, precision, and efficiency in material handling operations. The system is specifically engineered to enhance safety, adaptability, and operational performance, making it suitable for diverse industries, including construction, logistics, agriculture, and industrial applications.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the three-axis pneumatic suspension system features a mechanical arrangement that allows the unloading platform to tilt and rotate in multiple directions, including rearward, leftward, and rightward unloading. This multidirectional capability is achieved through a combination of rotational axes, gears, and linkages integrated into the trailer's design. These components work in harmony to facilitate the controlled movement of the unloading platform, ensuring smooth and precise operation. The system's mechanical elements are robustly constructed to withstand heavy loads and challenging working conditions, ensuring reliability and durability.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic system which powers the movement of the unloading platform. This system includes a vehicle-driven compressor, compressed air tanks, directional valves, and pneumatic cylinders or actuators. The compressor, integrated with the vehicle's engine, generates compressed air, which is stored in the tanks for subsequent use. The directional valves regulate the flow of air to the pneumatic cylinders, enabling the controlled actuation of the mechanical linkage system. This pneumatic arrangement eliminates the need for manual force, allowing for smooth, automated operation of the platform.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the operation of the system begins with the activation of the vehicle-driven compressor. Once the air is compressed and stored in the tanks, the operator can initiate unloading using the control panel. The control panel is designed to be user-friendly, allowing the operator to select the desired unloading direction and control the speed and tilt of the platform. Upon selecting a direction, the directional valves open to release compressed air to the corresponding pneumatic cylinders. These cylinders actuate the movement of the mechanical linkage system, causing the platform to tilt or rotate as required. The system's precision allows for accurate placement of materials, minimizing spillage and optimizing material handling efficiency.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multidirectional unloading feature is particularly beneficial in environments where space is constrained or where specific unloading orientations are required. For instance, in construction sites with limited maneuvering space, the ability to unload materials to the left or right without repositioning the trailer significantly enhances operational efficiency. Similarly, in agricultural fields, the trailer can adapt to uneven terrains and variable unloading requirements, ensuring seamless operations. In logistics and warehousing, the system's flexibility allows for efficient unloading in tight loading docks or storage areas.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical and pneumatic systems are carefully designed to ensure seamless integration and synchronized operation. The mechanical components, including gears, rotational axes, and linkages, are engineered for high load-bearing capacity and minimal wear. The pneumatic cylinders are strategically positioned to provide balanced actuation forces, ensuring uniform and stable movement of the platform. Additionally, the compressor and air tanks are optimized for efficient energy utilization, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the design incorporates safety features to prevent accidents and ensure operator security. For instance, the control panel is equipped with safety interlocks to prevent unintended movement of the platform. The pneumatic system includes pressure relief valves to avoid over-pressurization, while the mechanical arrangement is equipped with locking mechanisms to stabilize the platform during operation. These features collectively enhance the safety and reliability of the system.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a working prototype of the three-axis pneumatic suspension system has been developed and tested to validate its effectiveness. The prototype has demonstrated significant improvements in operational efficiency, safety, and adaptability compared to traditional trailers. The multidirectional unloading capability has reduced the need for manual repositioning of the trailer, minimizing downtime and enhancing workflow efficiency. The pneumatic system has proven to be energy-efficient, leveraging the vehicle's engine to power the compressor and eliminate the need for additional power sources.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multidirectional unloading capability provides unmatched operational flexibility, allowing trailers to adapt to diverse material handling scenarios. The pneumatic system ensures precise control of platform movement, reducing the risk of material damage or spillage. By minimizing manual handling and repositioning, the system enhances workplace safety and reduces labour costs. The integration of the compressor with the vehicle engine further optimizes energy usage, making the system cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the three-axis pneumatic suspension system represents a transformative advancement in trailer technology, addressing the limitations of traditional designs and setting a new standard for material handling efficiency. Its versatile design and broad applicability make it an ideal solution for industries seeking to optimize their transportation and unloading operations. With its combination of mechanical ingenuity and pneumatic automation, this invention provides a practical, reliable, and sustainable alternative to conventional material handling systems.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the primary benefits is its multidirectional unloading capability, which allows the platform to unload materials to the rear, left, or right with precision. This flexibility eliminates the need for manual repositioning of the trailer, significantly reducing operational downtime and increasing workflow efficiency. The system's precise control over the platform's movement ensures accurate material placement, minimizing spillage and reducing the risk of damage to materials during unloading.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, by automating the unloading process and reducing manual intervention, the system minimizes the risk of accidents and physical strain on operators. The integration of safety features, such as interlocks and pressure relief valves, further ensures the secure operation of the system, even in challenging environments. Additionally, the system's cost-effectiveness makes it an attractive choice for industries. The integration of the pneumatic compressor with the vehicle's engine optimizes energy usage, reducing fuel consumption and operational costs while eliminating the need for additional power sources.
, Claims:5. CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A three-axis pneumatic suspension system for trailers, enabling multidirectional unloading of materials, comprising:
a. a mechanical arrangement including gears, linkages, and rotational axes configured to provide controlled movement of an unloading platform in rearward, leftward, and rightward directions;
b. a pneumatic system consisting of compressed air tanks, a vehicle-driven compressor, directional control valves, and pneumatic cylinders strategically positioned to actuate the movement of the unloading platform along three axes;
c. a control panel integrated with the pneumatic system for user operation, allowing precise selection of unloading direction and control over the speed and tilt of the unloading platform;
d. the safety mechanisms including interlocks and pressure relief valves to prevent unintended operations and over-pressurization;
e. wherein the pneumatic suspension system ensures automated and precise unloading of materials in multiple directions, minimizes manual intervention, and enhances operational flexibility, safety, and efficiency in material handling operations.

2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the mechanical arrangement is constructed with high-strength materials to provide durability and reliability under heavy load conditions.

3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the pneumatic cylinders are positioned to provide balanced actuation forces, ensuring uniform and stable movement of the unloading platform.

4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the vehicle-driven compressor is integrated with the engine to generate compressed air, eliminating the need for external power sources.

5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the directional control valves are configured to regulate the flow of compressed air to specific pneumatic cylinders, enabling precise control over the platform's movement.

6. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the control panel includes an intuitive interface with directional selectors and safety lock mechanisms to prevent accidental activation.

7. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the unloading platform is equipped with locking mechanisms to stabilize it during transportation and operation.

8. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the safety mechanisms include emergency shut-off valves and load monitoring sensors to enhance operational safety.

9. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the design allows the trailer to operate efficiently in confined spaces, uneven terrains, and other challenging environments.

10. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the pneumatic suspension system contributes to reduced environmental impact by optimizing energy usage and minimizing fuel consumption during operations.

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