Developing a Composites Trailer for Multi-Purpose Sports Activities

Abstract

This contribution firstly presents results gathered during the development of a lightweight multifunctional trailer made of composite material. Focusing on various cross country activities, such as mountain biking, hiking or trail running, significant technical improvements compared to existent products were obtained. This includes technical features like an integrated design to reduce accelerated mass, increase flexibility and provide shock suspension for the child carried during sports activities. As a key feature of the trailer, an agile steering system was engineered to both fit the specific requirements during the trailer’s use as a stroller and as a baby jogger. Due to the integrated design the weight of the single child prototype trailer was reduced by up to 50 % compared to conventional models and the driving comfort was considerably increased. To evaluate both the safety of the carried child during sports activities and the comfort for the adult as well as - last but not least - the resulting fun of those both users during sports activities a series of test rides was conducted. Selected results of the developed measuring setup and test track design are presented in this paper. Finally gathered measurement data are discussed and further design improvements are derived.