Inductive Lock Pin Detection for Sliding Trailer Tandems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of unlocking and locking tandem lock pins in semi-tractor trailers is troublesome and unreliable, often resulting in jammed or blocked pins, which necessitates manual visual inspection by the driver, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A tandem locking system equipped with a tandem lock-state detector that uses an inductive element embedded in the lock pin to detect the lock/unlock state by sensing changes in the magnetic field and power dissipation, eliminating the need for manual inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual visual inspection of lock pins is used, then the driver can verify the lock state, but it results in multiple trips between cab and tandem, consuming time and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection process with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors are installed on the tandem to detect the position and lock state of lock pins, transmitting this information electronically to the driver's cab display, eliminating the need for physical inspection trips and improving operational efficiency while maintaining verification reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring the lock pin state through sensors and immediately displaying the lock status to the driver. This feedback mechanism provides reliable lock state verification without requiring manual inspection, as the system automatically detects and communicates the current state of each lock pin
2Reliability
If manual inspection of all four lock pins is performed, then the driver can ensure proper locking, but it increases the time required for tandem repositioning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual inspection of all four lock pins with automated sensors that continuously monitor each pin's position and lock state. The electronic detection system instantly provides lock status information to the driver, eliminating the time required for physical inspection while ensuring complete verification of all lock pins
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous monitoring of lock pin states throughout the tandem repositioning operation. Sensors track the position and lock state of all four pins in real-time, providing uninterrupted verification information to the driver, thereby eliminating the intermittent nature of manual inspection and reducing total operation time
3Adaptability or versatility
If lock pins are moved during unlocking and locking processes, then tandem repositioning can be performed, but the pins may get jammed or blocked, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through sensors that continuously monitor the lock pin position and detect potential jamming or blocking conditions during the lock/unlock process. When abnormal conditions are detected, the system alerts the driver immediately, allowing for corrective action before the operation is completed, thereby maintaining high reliability while enabling tandem repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of potential problems by continuously monitoring lock pin movement during the unlocking and locking processes. Before complete locking or unlocking occurs, the sensors detect abnormal conditions such as jamming or blocking, allowing the driver to stop the operation and prevent failure, thus ensuring reliable tandem repositioning
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 provides real-time lock state information to the driver or autonomous vehicle, enhancing safety and operational efficiency by automating the tandem repositioning process and reducing the risk of jammed or blocked pins.
Implementation Method 1
each lock pin is embedded with an inductor that is driven by an oscillating signal and thus generates a changing magnetic field, which can induce eddy currents in the guide tube and conductive metal frames of the sliding tandem and trailer
Implementation Method 2
The intensity of these currents, and thus the power dissipated by them, changes as the lock pin moves through a hole in the frame of the sliding tandem
Data Source
AI summary
A tandem lock-state detector of a vehicle having a sliding tandem includes an inductive element in a cavity of a lock pin of the sliding tandem, a driving circuit configured to generate a drive signal for driving the inductive element, a sensing circuit configured to sense a parameter of the inductive element, and a processor configured to detect a locked state or an unlocked state of the lock pin based on a level of the parameter.