Anti-Jackknifing Tractor Trailer Pin System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-jackknifing systems for tractor trailers require continuous driver oversight, are expensive to install, and may not prevent jackknifing in conditions like slippery roads, as they often rely on braking systems or manual activation.
Innovation Solution
An anti-jackknifing system using pneumatic or hydraulic pressure vessels to control the extension and retraction of pins into slots on the trailer, activated by a speed sensor and control processor to automatically restrict trailer rotation based on predetermined speed thresholds, reducing the need for continuous driver intervention and allowing integration into new or existing tractor trailers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ABS braking systems are used to prevent jackknifing, then jackknife prevention capability is improved, but system complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the jackknife prevention function from the complex ABS braking system by introducing a separate, dedicated anti-jackknife device that acts directly on the trailer body. This independent device uses a simple mechanical linkage with springs and latches to prevent excessive trailer swinging, eliminating the need to incorporate complex braking systems while achieving the same safety goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary device (the anti-jackknife device with linkage and latches) that mediates between the trailer body and the potential jackknife motion. This intermediary mechanism directly restricts excessive trailer swinging through simple mechanical means, avoiding the complexity of electronic braking control systems.
2Reliability
If ABS braking systems are used to prevent jackknifing, then jackknife prevention capability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components (springs, latches, linkages) that can be easily manufactured and installed. These basic mechanical elements replace expensive electronic braking systems, making the anti-jackknife device affordable for both new vehicle manufacturing and retrofit applications.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the anti-jackknife function from the expensive ABS braking system, the patent creates a standalone, low-cost device that can be installed independently. This extraction allows the safety function to be achieved without the high installation costs associated with integrating complex electronic braking systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual anti-jackknife devices are used, then installation cost is reduced, but driver oversight and manual operation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the anti-jackknife device to be self-activating through automatic sensors that detect jackknife conditions and trigger the mechanical linkage without driver intervention. The system also includes automatic deactivation capabilities, allowing it to function autonomously throughout various driving conditions without requiring continuous manual control or oversight.
4Reliability
If braking systems are used to prevent jackknifing, then jackknife prevention is achieved, but the system acts indirectly on the trailer with only secondary effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anti-jackknife function from the indirect braking system and implements it through a direct mechanical linkage that connects to the trailer body. This direct connection allows the device to physically restrict excessive trailer swinging at the source, providing primary rather than secondary effect on jackknife prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary (linkage and latches) that directly mediates the trailer's motion to prevent jackknifing. This intermediary mechanism acts directly on the trailer body to restrict excessive swinging, providing immediate and direct control rather than indirect influence through wheel braking.
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 effectively prevents trailer rotation beyond a predetermined angle at high speeds, reducing the risk of jackknifing without continuous driver oversight and is cost-effective for both new and retrofit installations, enhancing safety on various road conditions.
Implementation Method 1
pneumatic or hydraulic pressure vessel for controlling the extension and retraction of pins
Implementation Method 2
pneumatic or hydraulic pressure vessel for controlling the extension and retraction of pins
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-jackknifing system is provided for tractor trailers. The anti-jackknifing system includes pressure vessels mounted to the tractor for extending and retracting pins. The pins are positioned adjacent to the trailer kingpin so as to extend or retract into slots formed in plates mounted to the apron of the trailer. A controller is provided for automatically extending or retracting the pins based upon speed measurements made by a speed sensor such as the tractor's speedometer or separate GPS sensor. The controller connects to the speed sensor and pressure vessels and causes the pins to project into the race plate slots in the event that the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed threshold and causes the pins to retract from the race plate slots in the event the vehicle has reduced its speed below a predetermined threshold.