Inflatable Positionable Hose for Automated Trailer Line Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles lack the capability to automatically connect and disconnect trailer lines between a truck and a trailer due to the absence of a technician or driver for manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A positionable hose system with inflatable billows and a control system that uses a compressed fluid source and flow control devices to automatically position and connect trailer lines, utilizing a computing system and visual detection for precise alignment and inflation/deflation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection by technician is used, then connection reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to lack of automation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the hose positioning system automatically connects and disconnects trailer lines without requiring technician intervention. The billow mechanism self-adjusts to position the hose, and the control system autonomously manages the connection process, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining reliable connections through automated alignment and engagement mechanisms.
2Productivity
If automated hose positioning is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens due to additional control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic billows inflated with compressed air to position the hose automatically. This pneumatic mechanism provides simple yet effective automated positioning without requiring complex electronic actuators or mechanical positioning systems. The billow expansion and contraction naturally guide the hose to the correct position, achieving automation through fluid pressure rather than complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system manages the inflation and deflation parameters of the billows to achieve hose positioning. By controlling the air pressure and volume in the billows, the system adjusts the hose position dynamically during connection and disconnection operations. This parameter-based control is simpler than direct mechanical actuation while providing sufficient precision for the application.
3Ease of operation
If billow inflation is used for hose positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy worsens due to compressed air consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The billows are inflated and deflated periodically only during connection and disconnection operations rather than continuously. The compressed air source activates the billows at specific moments when positioning is needed, then allows them to deflate naturally or through controlled discharge. This periodic operation significantly reduces compressed air consumption compared to continuous inflation while maintaining automatic positioning capability when required.
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
Enables automatic and precise connection of trailer lines between a truck and a trailer, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in autonomous vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed fluid source for generating a compressed fluid flow and an inlet line fluidically connected to the compressed fluid source and the billow inlet
Implementation Method 2
The inlet line supplies the compressed fluid flow from the compressed fluid source through the billow inlet and into the billow to inflate the billow
Data Source
AI summary
A system for positioning of one or more trailer lines includes a positionable hose including a plurality of billows, the positionable hose defining an interior cavity extending along a length of the positionable hose, the interior cavity is sized and shaped to contain one or more of the trailer lines therein, each of the billows includes a billow inlet, a compressed fluid source for generating a compressed fluid flow, and an inlet line fluidically connected to the compressed fluid source and the billow inlet, wherein the inlet line supplies the compressed fluid flow from the compressed fluid source through the billow inlet and into the billow to inflate the billow.