Pneumatic Brake Adapter for Lifting Locked Cargo Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation of non-self-powered or independently mobile objects, such as wheeled cargo trailers, poses challenges in locating, identifying, engaging, positioning, lifting, transporting, and monitoring their movement and orientation, requiring an adaptable transportation solution.
Innovation Solution
A mobile apparatus with a transport mechanism, frame, and lift assemblies that can manually or autonomously engage and lift objects of varying sizes and configurations, equipped with a vision system for object detection and tracking, and a pneumatic adapter for connecting to pneumatically-operated braking systems, allowing for standardized and flexible object movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standardized pneumatic connection is used for braking systems, then connection reliability is improved, but adaptability to different trailer configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly incorporates movable components including a slideable adapter body that can shift position along the mounting surface, and adjustable positioning elements that allow the pneumatic coupling to be repositioned. This dynamic adjustability enables the same standardized connection to adapt to different trailer configurations while maintaining reliable pneumatic coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly allows for parameter changes in position and orientation of the pneumatic coupling relative to the mounting surface. By adjusting the position of the adapter body and positioning elements, the system can accommodate various trailer configurations while maintaining the standardized connection interface for reliable operation.
2Productivity
If lift assemblies are used to raise objects off the ground, then transportation capability is improved, but risk of interference with locked pneumatic braking systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system connects to the pneumatic braking system in advance through the adapter assembly before lifting the trailer. This preliminary connection ensures that the braking system is activated and locked before the lift assemblies raise the trailer off the ground, preventing wheel interference during the lifting and transportation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves as an intermediary component that connects the lift system to the pneumatic braking system. This intermediary allows the control system to activate the brakes before lifting occurs, mediating between the mechanical lifting action and the pneumatic braking system to prevent harmful interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustable components are used in the adapter assembly, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple trailer configurations through its adjustable features. Rather than requiring different adapters for different configurations, this single multi-functional adapter can be adjusted to work with various mounting positions and orientations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for engaging, lifting, and moving objects such as wheeled cargo trailers are provided. In one embodiment, a mobile apparatus includes a transport mechanism, a frame, and one or more lift assemblies. The lift assemblies may be adjusted using one or more attached actuators that position the lift assemblies and/or components thereof for engaging and lifting an object. The transport mechanism may be autonomously operated. A vision system may be used to locate and identify objects and/or guide the mobile apparatus into position to engage and lift the objects. An adapter for a pneumatic braking system of a wheeled cargo trailer is also provided. The adapter provides a pneumatic attachment for a pressurized air source that is separate from a glad hands connector attached to the braking system.