FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a logistics solution. More particularly, it
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relates to a method / device for using any 3/4 wheeled vehicle for pulling a selfpropelled
trailer, enabling ad-hoc hauling. Ideally, any self-powered trailer with selfbraking
capability will depend on pulling vehicle, only for steering and acceleration/
braking controls and not the pulling force. This is the basis of current invention,
described here with. This will enable/ enhance self-hauling, adding another utility to non-haul vehicles without caring about pulling capacity of pulling vehicle. In conventional, tractor trailer hauling, pulled load capacity depends on pulling power of
tractor.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional tractor trailer offer limited load pulling capacity, depending on
horse power of pulling vehicle. Also, it doesn't allow, coupling another trailer in case, I
more goods are required to be hauled, because of limited pulling power of tractor/ ['
pulling vehicle. •
[0003] It is therefore desirable to explore, alternate methods/ ideas to harness use I
of any vehicle for hauling, using a self-propelled trailer. Self-hauling (tractor-trailer) is
already in place in developed countries where mainly cars are used to self-haul goods, I
like U-Haul offers self-hauling carts/ trailers in USA, Australia, Europe. Developing f
countries mostly depend on fixed chassis vehicles for goods hauling. Both developing/ I
developed countries depend on conventional tractor trailer hauling methods for j
agriculture, other ad hoc hauling. India has roughly 13 million cars and close to 5 million
trucks on roads. This is huge potential in terms of adding more hauling capacity, reducing cost and indirectly saving natural resources, fuel etc.
[0004] Although efforts have been made to improve trailer based hauling, but
current invention details use of self-propelled trailers, eliminating limitation imposed by [
pulling power of tractor. US Patent US7147070 B2 granted on Dec 12, 2006, Title -
Motorized semi-trailer, described few similar methods. It described about providing ad hoc power to trailer (in form of electrical motors) and so pulling power from tractor can
be reduced (smaller engine size). Also, it talks about using electrical motors for
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regenerative braking, and storing energy in batteries. It details more on green aspect of
using this method and didn't talk about making trailer as self-propelled, self-sufficient in j
terms of pulling power required. |
[0005]Another US Patent US7743859 B2 granted on Jun 29, 2010, Title - Hybrid I
Drivetrain for Trailers, uses few similar methods but details more about using hybrid
technology to increase pulled load on trailer, regenerative braking. It again talks more
about using green technology and didn't detail about making trailer as self-propelled. I
Another US Patent US6318487 B2 granted on Nov 20, 2001, Title - Regeneration
Control Device for Hybrid Electric Vehicle, details more about controls of hybrid electric
vehicle. Yet another US Patent US5418437 granted on May 23, 1995, Title - Motor J
Vehicle Drive System for a Motor Vehicle having an electric motor system, and a
method of driving said drive system, details about electric motor drives for electric f
vehicles.
[0006]Although efforts have been made but towards enhancing conventional tractor
trailer hauling and not to make trailers, self-propelled, self-powered. Self-propelled
trailers will increase utility of any 3/4 wheel as hauling tractor. Also, more than one j
trailer can be pulled (ad hoc when needed) by any vehicle as self-propelled trailers will |
not depend for pulling power on pulling vehicle.
[0007] In light of foregoing, there exists a need to provide a self-propelled, self-powered |
trailer which will harness, any ones existing 3/ 4 wheeler (of comparable horse power to
pulled load for road stability) to pull a trailer even if vehicle don't have enough pulling
power. The system should be easy to install and detach when not required to haul,
sturdy in design, have multiple usage. Also system should depend on pulling vehicle
only for steering, and not for actual pulling or braking (only pulling / braking controls will J
be passed from pulling vehicle using electrical/hydraulic/other umbilical).
SUMMARY
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a trailer based haulage solution, a
self-propelled trailer.
[0009]Another object of the invention is to provide a system which can be used for
haulage, is self-propelled, self-powered so it depends on pulling vehicle for steering
only and not for actual pulling force. Trailer will receive pulling / braking controls via
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umbilical (electrical/hydraulic) and will be lightly coupled with pulling vehicle for steering
only. It will enable an existing vehicle to be able to tow a trailer even when it doesn't
have extra pulling power. Like a normal passenger car can have hitch installed and tow
a trailer with higher load for hauling normal goods.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a trailer which has its own drive mechanism delivering traction to trailer tires (useful in case of icy roads, or
ascents). Also, trailer will have its own braking. This will add more stability.
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention provide a self-propelled, self-powered {
trailer based haulage system. This system will get pulling, braking controls from pulling
vehicle and will depend on pulling vehicle for steering only and not for pulling as done in
conventional tractor-trailer. The trailer will have electrical motors with hydraulic, gear
ratio control mechanism, at each wheel, eliminating use of relatively costly differential
mechanism. Lower gear ratio can be used to deliver higher torque, higher traction to
start moving and once trailer starts moving, gear ratio can be changed to achieve speed
at lower torque. The 2 motors can be powered using vehicle battery, battery stored on
trailer or a stand-alone engine-generator housed on trailer for higher capacity trailers. If
trailer is using battery to power, drive motors, regenerative braking can be harnessed
via control box to recharge battery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are
set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention
will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to
illustrate and not to limit the scope of the claims, wherein like designations denote like
elements, and in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates, side view of truck/ pulling vehicle connected to self-propelled trailer;
Fig. 2 illustrates, bottom view of truck/ pulling vehicle connected to self-propelled trailer
having single motor with differential and variable transmission mechanism;
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Fig. 3 illustrates, bottom view of truck/ pulling vehicle connected to self-propelled trailer J
with each wheel powered separately by electric motors and variable transmission f
mechanism;
Fig. 4 illustrates, bottom view of truck/ pulling vehicle connected to self-propelled trailer
with single motor, variable transmission mechanism connected to conventional
differential gear.
Fig. 5 illustrates, side view of a passenger car connected to a self-propelled trailer. j
Fig. 6 illustrates variable transmission mechanism to achieve low speed, high torque f
delivered to wheels when load needs to start moving and high speed, low torque when
vehicle has started moving.
[0013] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For
example, the term "an article" may include a plurality of articles unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise.
[0014] Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the
Figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the Figures may be
exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the
present invention. {
[0015] There may be additional structures described in the foregoing application
that are not depicted on one of the described drawings. In the event such a structure is
described, but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be
considered as an omission of such design from the specification.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the
present invention utilizes self-propelled, self-powered trailers for ad-hoc hauling by a
truck/ car/ 4 wheeled vehicles. Accordingly the apparatus components and the method
steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the
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drawings, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description
herein. j
[0017] While the specification concludes with the claims defining the features of the
invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better
understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the
drawings, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.
[0018] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein;
however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of
the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural [
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art
to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed
structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but
rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
[0019]The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The
term "another", as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms
"including" and/or "having" as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e. open j
transition). The term "coupled" or "operatively coupled" as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention utilize 4 wheel vehicles to enable ad-hoc
hauling using self-powered trailers. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components
and/or mechanisms, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the
present invention. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of
the present invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or
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with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, j
and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are j
not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments j
of the present invention.
[0021] Fig. 1 illustrates, side view of trailer 101 based ad-hoc haulage solution pulled by
a 4 wheeled vehicle, truck, car etc which is positively coupled using positive coupling
method 102 (hitch based coupling) with pulling vehicle 103.
[0022] Fig 2 illustrates a schematic plan view showing one embodiment of the electric
drive assembly. Electric drive assembly consists of electric motor with differential 104
having variable transmission mechanism. This variable transmission mechanism is !
detailed in Fig. 6 and acts as a vehicle gear box to deliver high torque at low rpm when
vehicle needs to move from rest and supplies higher rpms at low torques when vehicle
started moving. Electric motor drive and braking controls are sent to trailer from pulling s
vehicle via an umbilical cable 105.
Electric motors in Electric drive assembly can be powered by onboard high-capacity i
battery, a small generator or from pulling engines electric power.
[0023] Fig 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating a variant thereof. Here, electric drive
assembly consists of 2 electric motors 106, 107 at 2 wheels. These 2 electric motors
have separate hydraulic speed adjusters. Since, driven wheels of trailer on both sides
are powered separately by electric means; there is no need of costly differential as
minor speed variations can be accommodated by electric drive system bringing system
cost down.
[0024] Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating still further variant thereof. It
consists of self-propelled trailer 101 pulled by a truck/ pulling vehicle 103. Trailer 101
has conventional differential 109 which is driven by single motor electric assembly 110.
Electric drive assembly is fed power in electrical form which drives electric motor.
Electric motor drives variable transmission mechanism (gear box replacement) based
on driver controls. This variable transmission mechanism transfer power to trailer
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differential via a drive shaft as done in any vehicle from engine to gear box to
differential.
[0025] Fig. 5 illustrates yet another variant of self-propelled trailer 112 pulled by a
passenger car 113. Since, pulled load will be comparatively less than truck trailers; it
can be powered using an on-board heavy duty battery 114 for short distance hauling }
purposes.
[0026] Fig. 6 illustrates variable transmission mechanism 121. This can be a low cost {
alternative of costly gear boxes to be used in electric drive assembly discussed in
current invention. Here, electric motor drives shaft 117 and is connected at C point. This l
driving shaft 117 with tapered cylindrical pulley 118 drives driven shaft 115 with a
reverse tapered pulley 116. Power is transferred between driving pulley 118 to driven
pulley 116 by a belt 119, controlled by Actuation mechanism A based on speed controls
from pulling vehicle. Actuation mechanism A, consisting of 119, 120, 121 can be
hydraulic, electric or any other suitable method.
Now if position of belt 119 is leftwards, high traction at low speeds is transferred to j
trailer wheels and when belt 119 is rightwards in position, higher rpm will be delivered to
trailers driven wheels.
[0027] Finally, inventions mentioned in present embodiment can harness any 4 wheeler
to enable ad-hoc hauling.
[0028] Various embodiments, as described above, provide a method and system for adhoc
hauling, which have several advantages. One of the several advantages of some embodiments of the method is that it can enhance load carrying capacity by coupling a
self-propelled trailer to any vehicle. This will save fossil fuel by enabling extra loads
hauled in one go. Another advantage of some embodiments is that they harness 4
wheel vehicles and make them multipurpose.
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[0029] While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements
thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit I
and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is |
to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.

CLAIMS
I Claim,
1. A self-propelled, self-powered trailer mechanism comprising of
a trailer which can propel itself using electric
a trailer which is propelled by electric drive assembly
a trailer which has variable transmission mechanism
a trailer which has self-propelling, self-braking capability based on controls of
pulling vehicle via an umbilical.
2. The system according to claim 1 further detailing electric drive assembly
consisting of electric motor, variable transmission mechanism and differential gear in
few variants.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein electric drive assembly will make trailer
as self-powered, self-brake and so it will not depend on pulling vehicle for
pulling/braking power and will depend only for steering and drive controls (via umbilical)
on pulling vehicle.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein electric drive assembly can be
powered using electricity supplied by an onboard high duty battery, a small generator or
electric power supplied by pulling vehicles electrical system.
5. The system according to claim 1 powered by an onboard high duty battery can
have regenerative braking mechanism to recharge on board battery.
6. The system according to claim 1 comprising of electric drive assembly having
variable transmission mechanism (like gear boxes in vehicles).
7. The system according to claim 1 comprising of an electric drive assembly which
will vary speeds of driven wheels based on controls via umbilical from pulling vehicle.
Even braking will be activated as per controls from pulling vehicle via umbilical.
8. The system according to claim 1 which is self-powered, have self-braking, ideally
would depend on pulling vehicle only for steering (and pulling/braking controls only).
Ideally, more than one, such trailers can be connected to a pulling vehicle enabling
more loads haulage in one go.