Air Spring Actuated Slider Pin Retraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semi-trailer pin retraction mechanisms, whether manual or pneumatically powered, are prone to jamming, labor-intensive, and require excessive maintenance, lacking an efficient and reliable automatic slider locking system.
Innovation Solution
An air spring actuated slider system with a single pneumatic actuator that rotates a main shaft to retract all four lock pins, using a tab and slot connection system and an offset actuator shaft, allowing easy assembly and reduced maintenance, where an air spring between the slider frame and an integral bracket causes axial rotation for pin retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual mechanisms are used for retracting lock pins, then the system is simpler and less costly, but the operation is more labor-intensive and prone to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic actuator system where compressed air from the vehicle's existing braking system inflates an air spring to automatically retract the lock pins. This eliminates manual labor while using readily available pneumatic infrastructure, achieving automation without requiring complex external pneumatic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic actuator serves multiple functions: it retracts all four lock pins simultaneously through a single inflation action, and the system integrates with the vehicle's existing braking pneumatic system, making the actuator perform both braking and pin retraction functions.
2Extent of automation
If conventional pneumatic pin retraction systems are used, then automation is achieved, but the system is more costly and mechanically complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a simple pneumatic air spring actuator instead of complex mechanical pneumatic systems. The air spring directly converts pneumatic pressure into linear motion to retract the pins, eliminating the need for shafts, gears, and linkages found in conventional pneumatic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The air spring actuator is designed to be self-contained, using the vehicle's existing pneumatic system to power itself. The system requires no external power source or complex control mechanisms, as the pneumatic pressure from the braking system automatically drives the pin retraction when needed.
3Extent of automation
If conventional pneumatic pin retraction systems are used, then automation is achieved, but the system is more prone to breakdown and requires more maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The air spring design eliminates multiple moving parts, seals, and mechanical connections that are prone to failure. The simple pneumatic membrane design has fewer failure points compared to mechanical shafts and linkages, significantly improving reliability while maintaining full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex mechanical transmission components (shafts, gears, linkages) from conventional pneumatic systems, retaining only the essential pneumatic actuation function. This simplification removes potential failure points while preserving automated operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a reliable, labor-efficient, and low-maintenance automatic pin retraction mechanism that simplifies the operation of semi-trailer slider locking, enhancing maneuverability and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
pneumatically powered pin retraction mechanisms... a shaft rotates under the power of a pneumatic inflatable member
Implementation Method 2
an air spring actuated slider for a semi-trailer... inflation of the actuator causes rotation of a main actuator shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An air spring actuated slider pin release system for a semi-trailer slider includes an actuator shaft oriented to extend in generally parallel relationship to at least one of a pair of parallel main members, being connected to the slider for axial rotation, and having a transverse lever arm secured to each end of the shaft for common rotation. Each lever arm has an end connected to a retractable, biased lock pin via a link so that rotation of the shaft and the lever arms causes retraction of the associated lock pin relative to the main member. The actuator shaft has a normally projecting air spring bracket. An air spring is disposed between one of the main members and the air spring bracket so that inflation of the air spring acts on the air spring bracket, axially rotating the shaft and the lever arms for retracting the lock pins.