Lifting Detection Device for Tractor-Trailer Oversize Load Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tractor-trailers face challenges in detecting and managing 'oversize loads' due to fixed optical sensors that cannot accurately measure loads exceeding their height, leading to potential deviations and collisions, especially when loads protrude or overturn during transport.
Innovation Solution
A tractor-trailer equipped with a detection device, such as a lidar, laser scanner, or video camera, mounted on a lifting system that can adjust height and rotate, combined with sensors to determine load dimensions and weight, allowing for adaptive data acquisition and control of the vehicle's trajectory to prevent collisions and ensure safe transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed optical sensors are used to detect load presence, then the sensor structure is simple, but the sensor cannot detect loads exceeding its height and cannot accurately measure oversize loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the optical sensor movable through a lifting system that can adjust its height position. This allows the sensor to dynamically change its detection range and adapt to different load heights, enabling accurate measurement of oversize loads that would otherwise exceed the sensor's fixed detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements another dimension by adding vertical movement capability to the optical sensor through the lifting system. This transforms the sensor from a two-dimensional fixed position to a three-dimensional movable position, allowing it to detect loads at various heights and accurately measure oversize loads by adjusting its vertical position.
2Reliability
If the detection device height is increased to detect taller loads, then the detection capability improves, but the device complexity and structural limitations increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than permanently increasing the sensor's mounting height, the patent uses a lifting system to dynamically adjust the sensor's position. This provides the detection capability for tall loads on-demand while maintaining a more compact overall vehicle structure, avoiding the permanent structural modifications that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting system serves multiple functions: it positions the optical sensor for detecting loads of various heights, enables accurate measurement of both standard and oversize loads, and can be integrated with the vehicle's existing suspension or chassis system. This multi-functionality improves detection reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Extent of automation
If automated driving systems are implemented, then driving automation improves, but the system cannot handle sudden deviations caused by oversize loads protruding or overturning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the movable optical sensor to continuously detect the actual position and dimensions of the load, and this information is fed back to the automated driving system. This allows the system to adjust its trajectory in real-time to accommodate oversize loads, preventing collisions and handling sudden deviations caused by load protrusion or potential overturning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by using the optical sensor to detect and measure load dimensions before the automated driving system plans the trajectory. This advance detection allows the trajectory planning algorithm to pre-calculate safe paths that account for the actual load envelope, preventing collisions with obstacles that would be invisible to a fixed sensor.
4Area of stationary object
If fixed sensors are used, then the structural design is simple, but the field of vision is limited and cannot detect objects outside the load height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent expands the detection field of vision by adding the vertical dimension through the lifting system. The optical sensor can move up and down to scan different heights, transforming a two-dimensional fixed field of view into a three-dimensional volumetric detection space that can detect objects at various heights and positions around the load.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic positioning capability of the optical sensor allows the system to adapt its field of vision to match the load's dimensions. The sensor can be positioned at optimal heights to detect protruding elements or potential hazards, dynamically expanding the effective detection area without requiring a permanently complex mounting structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Described is a tractor-trailer comprising a tractor unit (2); at least one trailer (3) connected to the tractor unit (2) configured for transporting at least one load (4); a detection device (5) configured for detecting an area defined by at least part of the trailer (3) and the surrounding environment. The tractor-trailer comprises a system (6) for lifting the detection device (5); the lifting system (6) is configured to move the detection device (5) at least from a first height (Q1) to a second height (Q2), greater than the first height (Q1), and vice versa.