Gladhand Coupling Pressure Sensing for Autonomous Port Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual connection of pneumatic lines between a hostler and a trailer for disengaging the trailer's pneumatic parking brake is time-consuming and risky, limiting the adoption of semi-autonomous or automated operations in locations like distribution centers and marine terminals.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for semi-autonomous or autonomous connection of pneumatic supply lines via gladhand couplings, using a robotic arm with a pressure sensor module to detect back pressure and align the pneumatic ports, enabling efficient and safe coupling 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 connection processVSAvoidtime for manual connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses autonomous robotic arms with integrated pressure sensors to perform the connection task independently without human intervention. The robotic system self-adjusts positioning based on real-time pressure feedback, eliminating the need for manual operation while reducing time and safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical connection operations with an automated robotic system that uses pressure sensing feedback to guide alignment and coupling. This substitution eliminates human exposure to risks while significantly reducing connection time through automated positioning and coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If manual connection of pneumatic lines is used, then the connection can be established, but it limits the adoption of semi-autonomous or automated operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation capabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates pressure sensors that provide real-time feedback during the connection process. The robotic arm adjusts its positioning based on pressure differential signals, enabling autonomous alignment and coupling. This feedback mechanism makes automated operation feasible while maintaining ease of use through intuitive pressure-based guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system integrates multiple functions including positioning, alignment, pressure sensing, and coupling establishment into a single autonomous platform. This multi-functional design enables semi-autonomous and fully automated operations while maintaining operational simplicity through unified control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If pressure sensor feedback is used for alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precision of pneumatic portsVSAvoidcomplexity of robotic coupling system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor acts as an intermediary that translates physical alignment status into actionable feedback signals. By using pressure differentials as a mediator, the system achieves precise alignment without requiring complex vision systems or multiple sensors, thus balancing precision with manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system leverages pneumatic pressure feedback from the coupling process itself to guide alignment. By utilizing the inherent pneumatic properties of the coupling medium, the system achieves precise port alignment without adding complex mechanical alignment mechanisms, thereby maintaining relative simplicity while improving precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 allows for efficient, safe, and semi-autonomous or autonomous connection of pneumatic lines, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing the potential for semi-autonomous or automated operations in tractor-trailer systems.

Implementation Method 1

detecting, with a pressure sensor, back pressure of the delivered fluid reflected off the gladhand receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBack pressure detection: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250162364A1Gladhand coupling with pressure sensing module

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 ROBOTIC RESEARCH OPCO LLC

AI summary

A method includes positioning a gladhand coupler of a vehicle adjacent a gladhand receptacle of a trailer, delivering pressurized fluid through a pneumatic channel and out a pneumatic port of the gladhand coupler to impinge upon the gladhand receptacle, detecting, with a pressure sensor, back pressure of the delivered fluid reflected off the gladhand receptacle, determine a location of a pneumatic port of the gladhand receptacle based at least in part on one of a detected threshold pressure, detected pressure differential or detected pressure change of the back pressure to enable alignment of the pneumatic port of the gladhand coupler relative to the pneumatic port of the gladhand receptacle and coupling the gladhand coupler to the gladhand receptacle.