Parking Brake Setting Device for Terminal Tractor Safety

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of terminal tractors often fail to set the parking brakes before exiting the vehicle, leading to a need for a system that ensures the brakes are engaged before the operator can leave the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A parking brake setting device that slides under the parking brake handle when it is in the raised position, completing a circuit with the door lock system to prevent exit until the brakes are set, using electrical connectors and a controller to provide visual and audible alarms if the brakes are not set.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the parking brake is manually operated without any control system, then the operator can freely exit the vehicle, but the parking brake may not be set leading to safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparking brake setting reliabilityVSAvoidbrake control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a parking brake setting device as an intermediary component that physically interacts with the brake handle. This device includes a body that receives the brake handle rod and an electrical connector that interfaces with the vehicle's electrical system. The intermediary device bridges the mechanical brake system and the electrical control system, enabling automated monitoring without requiring complex direct integration between mechanical and electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces reliance on manual operator action (mechanical operation) with an electrical detection and control system. The electrical connector detects the position of the brake handle through electrical signals, and the controller uses these signals to control door lock status. This substitution transforms a purely mechanical operation into an electromechanical system that can automatically enforce brake setting requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a parking brake setting device with electrical connectors is installed, then the brake setting can be monitored and enforced, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator exit control reliabilityVSAvoiddevice manufacturing and installation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the parking brake setting device to perform multiple functions: it mechanically receives and positions the brake handle rod, electrically detects the brake setting status through connectors, and provides feedback to the vehicle's control system. The electrical connector serves both as a mechanical mounting interface and an electrical signal interface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the mechanical receiving structure and the electrical detection function into a single integrated device. The body of the parking brake setting device houses both the mechanical interface for the brake handle rod and the electrical connector for signal detection. This merging of mechanical and electrical functions into one component reduces assembly steps and simplifies installation compared to having separate mechanical and electrical devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the door lock system is integrated with the parking brake system, then unauthorized departure is prevented, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized vehicle movementVSAvoiddoor lock system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback loop where the parking brake setting device continuously monitors the brake handle position and communicates this status to the door lock control system. The controller receives electrical signals from the brake setting device and automatically adjusts the door lock status accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic enforcement of brake setting requirements without requiring complex direct mechanical linkage between the brake system and door lock system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that mediates between the parking brake setting device and the door lock system. The controller processes electrical signals from the brake setting device and controls the door lock actuators based on the brake status. This intermediary approach allows the integration of brake monitoring and door lock control functions while maintaining the independence and simplicity of the underlying mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11180121B2Parking brake setting devices and systems for terminal tractors

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 TOYOTA MOTOR ENG & MFG NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

A terminal tractor includes a cabin and a parking brake system including a parking brake handle located in the cabin for activating a wheel brake. The parking brake handle has a lowered position where the wheel brake is disengaged and a raised position where the wheel brake is engaged. A parking brake setting device is located in the cabin that is configured to be located beneath a head of the parking brake handle with the parking brake handle in the raised position.