Portable Locking Pin Locator for Semi-Trailer Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi truck drivers face difficulty in locating the trailer over the tandem axle without leaving the cab, requiring multiple trips to achieve proper weight and balance, as existing solutions are either complex or lack effective signaling for locking pin positioning.
Innovation Solution
A portable switch assembly with a pressure-sensitive ball switch and magnetic mounting bracket, attached to the trailer rail, uses a light signal to indicate when the trailer is aligned with the locking pin, allowing the driver to extend the pins from the cab, housed in a compact carrying case for easy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the driver climbs out of the tractor to manually position the trailer over the tandem axle, then the trailer can be positioned, but the driver must make multiple trips and lose time
Solution Approach 1:
A visual indicator system acts as an intermediary between the trailer positioning mechanism and the driver. The indicator includes a flag or signal that visually displays the relative position of the trailer over the tandem axle, allowing the driver to accurately position the trailer without repeatedly climbing in and out of the tractor cab.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback to the driver about the trailer's position relative to the tandem axle. The indicator continuously shows whether the trailer is too far left, too far right, or perfectly aligned, enabling the driver to make precise adjustments from inside the cab without multiple trips.
2Ease of operation
If built-in sensors and signals are installed in the trailer, then the driver can position the trailer without leaving the cab, but the device becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of trailer positioning indication from complex built-in sensor systems and implements it through a simple visual indicator mechanism. The indicator uses basic mechanical or optical elements (such as flags, mirrors, or colored markers) rather than electronic sensors, significantly reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining driver convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Rather than investing in complex electronic sensor systems, the design employs basic visual elements that are cost-effective and sufficient for the application.
3Ease of operation
If a complex rod and tube mechanism is used to indicate pin position, then the driver can remain in the cab, but the device becomes much more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex rod and tube mechanism from the positioning indication system and replaces it with a simple visual indicator that directly shows the trailer's position. This extraction of unnecessary mechanical complexity while retaining the core function of providing position information to the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanical linkage to transmit position information, the system creates a direct visual copy or representation of the trailer's position state. The indicator simply displays the positional information without requiring complex mechanical transmission mechanisms.
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 the driver to accurately position the trailer over the tandem axle without leaving the cab, reducing the need for multiple trips and improving efficiency in achieving legal weight and balance, while being more portable and cost-effective than prior solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensitive ball or dome shaped switch extends outward from the threaded end of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
The mounting bracket employs magnets to facilitate attachment to the slide rail of the trailer
Data Source
AI summary
A compact, portable locking pin locator device adapted to assist the driver of a semi truck including a tractor and a trailer to locate the trailer over the tandem axle under the back end of the trailer to achieve proper weight and balance of the load carried in the trailer over the wheels of the truck.