Dolly Train Automated Safety Interlock System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dolly train systems require manual plugging, leading to operator errors and safety concerns due to the potential for 'unhooked' configurations during operation.
Innovation Solution
An automated safety interlock assembly with sensors and a controller that wirelessly connects the tow motor to the dolly, providing operational status indicia without the need for manual plugging, using a mechanical linkage and a wheel-mounted generator for power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual plugging is used to connect tow motor to dolly, then operator can control power connection, but operator errors occur leading to unhooked configurations and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when a dolly is coupled to the tow motor and activates power and safety features without operator intervention. The weight sensor detects the coupled state and autonomously enables the interlock system and power delivery, eliminating manual plugging operations and associated human errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical plugging system with an automated sensor-based detection system. Weight sensors and control systems substitute for manual connector insertion, automatically determining coupling status and managing power delivery without physical plug insertion by the operator.
2Reliability
If automated detection system is implemented, then operator errors are eliminated, but device complexity increases with sensors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The weight sensor serves multiple functions: detecting dolly coupling status, determining when to activate power delivery, and triggering the safety interlock system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors for each detection task, thereby limiting complexity growth while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power delivery control and safety interlock activation into a single automated process triggered by weight sensor detection. Rather than having separate systems for power management and safety monitoring, both functions are merged into one integrated control sequence that activates simultaneously upon coupling detection.
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
Eliminates human error by ensuring automatic connectivity and providing continuous operational status feedback, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generator coupled to the wheeled platform such that rotational movement of at least one wheel of the wheeled platform operates the generator
Data Source
AI summary
A dolly, a dolly towing system and a method of operating a dolly towing system. The dolly includes a wheeled platform with a coupled electric generator and an automated safety interlock assembly. The interlock assembly includes one or more sensors configured to wirelessly detect whether the dolly and tow motor are safely joined to one another. A controller can be powered by a battery or related onboard source of electric current while the dolly or system are stationary, as well as by the generator when the dolly or system are moving. Signals indicative of the joining that are acquired from the sensors can be received and processed by the controller such that suitable circuitry can convey the processed signal in such a way that the signal provides an audible or visual notice of an operational status of the dolly or system to an operator.