Profile

The "Tyligo" trailer can be used to transport anything, from bicycles to motorcycles to jet skis. The trailer folds, so it can be stowed compactly. The reliable folding mechanism uses iglidur G plain bearings and thrust washers.

• What was needed: plain bearings and thrust washers made of iglidur G
• Requirements: low friction during frequent trailer folding and unfolding, long service life, completely lubrication-free bearings
• Industry: trailer, automotive
• Success for the customer: The iglidur G bearings allow easy folding trailer implementation and, because there are no lubricants, require no maintenance.

Problem

MBP Concepts Ltd is a product design company developing the "Tyligo", an innovative multi-purpose folding trailer for the towing market. From motorcycles to camping gear, jet skis to bikes, small boats to kayaks and much more, the Tyligo trailer covers every niche of the market thanks to a range of sizes and the accessories that can be mounted on it. After use, the Tyligo can be folded up and pulled through a doorway or stored in a shed or garage.
The Tyligo trailer required a maintenance-free bearing solution for its lightweight folding mechanism. The load limit of 500kg also made it important to find a durable, user-friendly solution. Because the trailer is made of steel, MBP Concepts chose a centre beam made of stainless steel that offers good friction properties with a dry plain bearing.

Solution

The built-in bearings for the trailer folding mechanism and the installation positions can be easily explained with Tyligo Premium. Two different bearing categories were used. First, an iglidur G plain bearing with a diameter of 50mm was installed. It slides on the central main beam. There are also 16 iglidur G thrust washers (32mm diameter, four on each arm) which greatly reduce the friction of the trailer's steel construction during folding for storage. And iglidur G thrust washers with a diameter of 12mm were used on two rod ends. The product was first displayed in its motorcycle configuration at the MCN Motorcycle Show at the Excel Center in London and won the Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Award.