Robotic Gladhand Coupling With Light-Assisted Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual connection of pneumatic lines between a hostler and a trailer for disengaging the trailer's pneumatic parking brake is time-consuming and risky, limiting the adoption of automation in trailer movement.
Innovation Solution
A system using a positionable robotic arm with an end effector to autonomously or semi-autonomously connect and disconnect gladhand couplers, facilitated by a light assist gladhand positioning system for alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual connection of pneumatic lines is used, then the operation can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm with end effector autonomously performs the gladhand connection task without human intervention. The system self-navigates to the trailer, self-positions the coupler, and self-executes the connection, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining simplicity in the overall process flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm uses sensors, control algorithms, and automated actuators to substitute human hands and eyes, transforming a manual mechanical task into an automated electromechanical process that improves speed and safety
2Productivity
If automated connection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but the alignment precision is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors on the robotic arm to detect the position and orientation of the gladhand receptacle in real-time. This feedback loop allows the control system to adjust the arm's position and the coupler's orientation dynamically, ensuring precise alignment despite variations in trailer positioning or receptacle location
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm utilizes dynamic positioning and real-time adjustment capabilities to adapt to varying alignment requirements. The system can dynamically modify its approach angle, speed, and final positioning to achieve precise coupling, rather than relying on static pre-positioning
3Ease of operation
If manual connection is used, then the system is simple to operate, but additional time and safety risks are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs the entire connection sequence autonomously without requiring human operators to physically approach or manipulate the gladhands. The system self-navigates, self-positions, and self-connects, eliminating manual operational steps while reducing connection time through faster, more efficient movements
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 efficient, safe, and automated connection and disconnection of pneumatic lines, reducing manual intervention and promoting the use of automation in trailer handling.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting one or more light rays relative to the gladhand receptacle of the trailer
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes mounting an end effector having a gladhand coupler to a robotic arm; moving, with the robotic arm, the end effector proximate a gladhand receptacle of a trailer; transmitting one or more light rays relative to the gladhand receptacle of the trailer; utilizing the one or more light rays as a visual aid to facilitate alignment of the gladhand coupler of the end effector relative to the gladhand receptacle; coupling the gladhand coupler of the end effector to the gladhand receptacle; and releasing the end effector from the robotic arm; wherein one or more steps are performed by a processor coupled to memory.