Dolly Stabilizer Pin Pneumatic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dollys in road trains often cause fishtailing during unsafe driving conditions, leading to potential accidents due to the lack of effective stabilization between trailers.
Innovation Solution
A dolly stabilizer system comprising a stabilizer plate, a stabilizer pin, a piston with an extendible rod, and a control box that uses pneumatic actuation to align trailers by extending the piston rod into a conical cavity in the stabilizer pin, locking the trailers into a straight position when unsafe conditions are detected, and releasing when safe conditions return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dolly allows the subsequent trailer to pivot relative to the preceding trailer during normal operation, then turning facilitation is improved, but stability deteriorates when unsafe driving conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer pin is designed to dynamically change its function from allowing rotation during normal operation to preventing rotation during unsafe conditions. The piston rod extends into the conical cavity to lock the pin in a straightened position, while during normal operation the pin remains free to pivot, enabling the system to adapt its stability characteristics based on operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic piston mechanism is used to actuate the stabilizer pin from a retracted position (allowing rotation) to an extended position (preventing rotation). The control box receives pneumatic signals to trigger the piston, providing automated stabilization based on detected unsafe driving conditions such as fishtailing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stabilizer pin is locked in a fixed position, then trailer alignment is improved, but the ability to pivot during turns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two states: a locked state where the piston rod extends into the conical cavity to prevent pin rotation and maintain alignment, and an unlocked state where the pin is free to pivot for turning operations. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by providing both alignment stability and turning capability at different times as needed.
3Reliability
If a stabilizer system is added to prevent fishtailing, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic piston and control box system to automate the stabilization process. The control box detects unsafe conditions and automatically actuates the piston to lock the stabilizer pin, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operational complexity despite the added mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer system is designed to self-activate when unsafe driving conditions are detected. The control box monitors for fishtailing and automatically triggers the pneumatic piston to engage the stabilizer pin, allowing the system to service itself without driver input and improving safety while maintaining ease of use.
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 automatically aligns trailers to prevent fishtailing, enhancing control over road trains by maintaining trailer alignment and preventing accidents during turns and high-speed operations.
Implementation Method 1
a piston with an extendible rod, and a control box that uses pneumatic actuation to align trailers by extending the piston rod into a conical cavity in the stabilizer pin
Data Source
AI summary
A dolly stabilizer is mounted onto a rear end of a trailer and has a stabilizer plate, a stabilizer pin, and a control box. The stabilizer plate is mounted to a chassis having at least one pair wheels. The stabilizer plate may comprise a plurality of mounting holes. It includes a dolly tongue stabilizer pin hole that receives the stabilizer pin. The stabilizer plate includes an internal piston that is selectively driven into a recess or opening in the stabilizer pin to straighten a position of a subsequent trailer or dolly relative to a preceding one. The control box includes a pneumatic input for receiving pressurized air and a pneumatic output to brakes on the dolly. A speed sensor may be coupled to the control box for allowing speed control of the dolly wheels. Electrical connections accept power for operating lights and other electrical devices on the dolly.