Autonomous Gladhand Coupling With Detachable End Effector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tractor-trailer systems require manual connection of pneumatic lines for trailer parking brake disengagement, which is time-consuming and risky, limiting the adoption of automation in cargo handling and trailer movement.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous gladhand coupling system using a robotic arm assembly with a detachable end effector that can autonomously connect and disconnect pneumatic supply lines via clamping features or quick connect adapters, allowing for remote operation without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual connection of pneumatic lines is used, then the trailer parking brake can be disengaged, but the process is time-consuming and risky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of pneumatic line connectionVSAvoidtime for manual connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables autonomous gladhand coupling where the robotic arm automatically positions and connects the pneumatic supply line to the gladhand receptacle without human intervention. The end effector with clamping members autonomously secures the connection, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining reliable brake disengagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical connection process with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm, controlled by a controller, substitutes human operators in performing the coupling task, using automated positioning and clamping mechanisms to connect pneumatic lines safely and efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If manual connection of pneumatic lines is used, then the trailer parking brake can be disengaged, but it limits the adoption of automation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation capability in trailer handlingVSAvoidoperational simplicity of pneumatic line connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous gladhand coupling system performs the entire connection sequence independently - the robotic arm positions itself, the end effector clamps the gladhand receptacle, and the pneumatic line connects automatically. This self-service capability demonstrates that automation can handle complex coupling tasks without compromising operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm assembly with interchangeable end effectors provides a universal platform that can handle various coupling operations. The system is designed to work with standard gladhand receptacles and can be adapted for different pneumatic connection requirements, making automation broadly applicable across trailer handling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If a robotic arm assembly is used for autonomous coupling, then automation is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous coupling capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of coupling system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous coupling system is divided into distinct functional modules: the robotic arm assembly for positioning, the end effector with clamping members for securing the connection, the pneumatic supply line for fluid transfer, and the controller for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The end effector serves as an intermediary between the robotic arm and the gladhand receptacle. It provides the interface that translates the robotic arm's positioning movements into secure mechanical clamping of the pneumatic connection, simplifying the control requirements while enabling autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If clamping members are used to secure the gladhand receptacle, then reliable connection is achieved, but the end effector design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection security of pneumatic lineVSAvoidcomplexity of end effector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping function is extracted as a separate capability within the end effector, with dedicated clamping members that can independently secure the gladhand receptacle. This separation allows the positioning and clamping functions to be independently optimized, reducing overall end effector complexity while maintaining reliable connection security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11999206B2Autonomous gladhands coupling systems, devices, and methods

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 ROBOTIC RESEARCH OPCO LLC

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (400) comprising a vehicle (402), an arm assembly (408), first and second cable portions (410a, 410b), at least one cable actuator (406), and an air supply line. The vehicle has a pneumatic source of pressurized air. The arm assembly has an end effector releasably coupled to an end of an axially-extendable arm coupled to the vehicle. The end effector has a gladhand coupling portion. The air supply line can be coupled to the end effector and can deliver pressurized air from the pneumatic source to a braking system of the trailer when the gladhand coupling portion is coupled to the gladhand receptacle of a trailer. After coupling to the gladhand receptacle, the end effector can be disconnected from the arm assembly to allow the remainder of the arm assembly to be stowed.