Automated Trailer Jackstand Deployment for Dock Support Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual handling of jackstands to support trailers at loading docks poses safety concerns and is undesirable when trailer movements are automated, as it requires manual positioning and removal by personnel, increasing the risk of trailer collapse or up-ending due to landing gear failure.
Innovation Solution
An automated jackstand system that includes a jackstand with a vertically extendable component, a grabber, and a controller to deploy and retract the jackstand automatically, ensuring safety and support for trailers parked at loading docks without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of jackstands is used to support trailers at loading docks, then personnel can position and remove jackstands, but safety risks increase due to potential trailer collapse or up-ending
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated deployment and retraction of jackstands through the grabber mechanism, eliminating the need for manual positioning and removal by personnel. The tractor itself performs the support function automatically, reducing safety risks while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The grabber acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tractor and jackstand, enabling automated transfer and deployment. This intermediary device allows the system to achieve automated operation without direct manual handling, resolving the contradiction between reliability and safety risks
2Productivity
If automated jackstand deployment is implemented, then safety and efficiency are enhanced, but device complexity increases due to additional components like grabber and controller
Solution Approach 1:
The grabber mechanism serves multiple functions: it can deploy jackstands, retrieve them, and potentially handle other support equipment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, managing complexity while maintaining productivity benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the jackstand, grabber, and controller into an integrated automated support system. By merging these components into a coordinated unit, the system achieves efficient automated operation while managing overall complexity through functional integration
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 automated jackstand system provides safe and reliable support for trailers, preventing collapse and up-ending, enhancing safety and efficiency in trailer loading and unloading operations by eliminating the need for manual deployment and retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical socket positioned on the collar and mechanically geared to extend the vertically extendable component when rotated in a first direction and to retract the vertically extendable component when rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction
Implementation Method 2
at least two retractable claws operable by a first motor to removably couple with the collar
Implementation Method 3
a drive bit operable by a second motor and shaped and sized to mechanically couple with the mechanical socket
Data Source
AI summary
Automated jackstand systems and methods deploy a jackstand to support a front end of a trailer parked at an automated loading dock. The jackstand prevents collapse of the trailer's landing gear and prevents upending of the trailer during loading and unloading. Advantageously, by deploying the jackstand automatically, presence of personnel in the yard where tractors and trailers are moving is not required.