Deicing Adapter for Tractor Trailer Brake Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures causes moisture in tractor trailer brake air lines and valves to freeze, making it difficult and hazardous for operators to unfreeze them, leading to potential safety issues, increased downtime, and costly service calls.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a canister with inlet and outlet tubes, a valve, and a larger opening for pouring deicing agents, allowing for efficient delivery and distribution of deicing agents directly into the brake air lines, reducing the need for manual pouring and minimizing exposure to hazardous conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If deicing agent is poured through the small opening in the service hose connector, then the brake system can be treated, but it is difficult to pour sufficient amounts without spilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a funnel-shaped adapter as an intermediary device between the deicing agent container and the service hose connector. This adapter has a wide opening for easy pouring and a narrow outlet that fits the connector, solving the contradiction by providing both sufficient quantity delivery and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed to nest within or attach to the existing service hose connector structure. The adapter's outlet fits into the connector's opening, creating a nested configuration that maintains the original system's functionality while adding the pouring advantage of a larger opening.
2Reliability
If the operator climbs under the truck to heat the brake valves with a torch, then the frozen brakes can be unfrozen, but the operator is exposed to hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal method of heating with a torch with a chemical method using deicing agent (alcohol or other antifreeze substances). The deicing agent is pumped through the brake lines to chemically melt the frozen moisture, eliminating the need for the operator to physically position themselves under the truck with a torch, thereby removing the safety hazards while maintaining unfreezing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the deicing agent to automatically circulate through the brake lines using the existing air brake system's compression and release cycles. The agent is introduced into the system and distributed without requiring manual intervention or positioning of equipment, making the process safer and more self-contained.
3Loss of time
If sufficient deicing agent is not placed into the air system, then the procedure can be completed quickly, but the brakes may not release and the procedure must be repeated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the operator can monitor whether the brakes have released after applying the deicing agent. If the brakes have not released, the system allows for additional deicing agent to be added and the process repeated. This feedback loop ensures reliable brake release while minimizing unnecessary repetition by providing clear indication of success or failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed to allow easy addition of deicing agent in controlled amounts. The wide opening and funnel shape enable the operator to efficiently add the recommended amount of agent in one operation, reducing the likelihood of insufficient application and the need for repeated procedures, thus balancing speed and reliability.
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 device facilitates easier and more reliable release of frozen brakes, reducing downtime and the need for service calls by allowing for efficient delivery of deicing agents, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A deicing agent, such as an air brake anti-freeze or an air brake evaporating alcohol, is poured into the service hose connector
Implementation Method 2
activates the service valve to apply air pressure to the brake valves at the back of the trailer. This will distribute the alcohol throughout the brake system
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided to facilitate introduction of a fluid agent (such as a deicing agent) into the air line of a trailer of a tractor trailer. The device comprises a canister defining an upwardly opening chamber, a lid removably securable to the canister to close the chamber, an inlet tube extending from the canister and having a connector at an end of the inlet tube, a valve in said inlet tube; and an outlet tube extending from the canister and having a connector at an end of the inlet tube. The outlet tube is shaped and sized such that the canister chamber can be filled with the liquid agent from the ground and without the need to climb on the chassis of the trailer tractor.