Locking Gladhand Coupler for Authenticated Trailer Air Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The freight industry faces challenges with unauthorized coupling of tractor and towed assets due to the lack of a mechanism to prevent unauthorized connection of pneumatic lines, leading to potential theft and incorrect asset transportation, despite existing solutions relying on manual processes.
Innovation Solution
A locking gladhand device with a moveable protrusion controlled by a microcontroller and actuator, which can be locked or unlocked remotely, and includes a digital certificate verification system to ensure authorized connections, preventing unauthorized coupling by blocking the mating surface between gladhand connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual coupling processes are used for gladhand connectors, then ease of operation is improved, but security and authorization control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A microcontroller unit acts as an intermediary between the physical gladhand connector and the authorization system. The microcontroller receives authorization signals, controls the actuator, and manages the locking mechanism, thereby mediating between manual operation and automated security control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical coupling with an integrated electromechanical system. The actuator (electromagnetic or electric motor) substitutes for manual locking actions, while the microcontroller introduces digital authorization logic, transforming the mechanical gladhand into a smart, authorized-only coupling device.
2Reliability
If locking mechanisms with actuators and microcontrollers are added to gladhand connectors, then security and authorization control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism, actuator, microcontroller, and gladhand connector into a single integrated assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation, despite the increased functional complexity of the individual integrated unit.
3Measurement precision
If digital certificate verification systems are implemented, then authorization accuracy is improved, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Digital certificates and authorization credentials are pre-configured and stored in the microcontroller before operation. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid verification during the coupling process, as the system only needs to compare against pre-stored valid credentials rather than performing complex real-time authentication.
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 solution effectively prevents unauthorized coupling and ensures secure, authenticated connections between tractor and towed assets, enhancing security and reducing the risk of theft and incorrect asset transportation.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism has an actuator that extends or retracts the moveable pin
Implementation Method 2
The locking mechanism has an actuator that extends or retracts the moveable pin
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided to lock or unlock a gladhand coupler on a towed asset to prevent connection of a tractor air line to the gladhand is provided. The system prevents the tractor from properly operating the towed asset brakes and therefore prevents the unauthorized movement of the towed asset. The system has a locking mechanism that blocks the surface on the gladhand used for coupling with another gladhand coupler.