Self-Powered Converter Dolly Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for assembling and securing trailers and dollies in trailer yards are labor-intensive and pose safety risks due to the need for manual handling and unpredictable securing points, especially during intermodal transportation.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered converter dolly with steerable landing gear and remote control operation, equipped with hydraulic or electric motors, and adjustable fifth wheels, allowing for autonomous movement and alignment with trailers, and secure attachment to railcars using various tie-down mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling methods are used to maneuver dollies and attach them to trailers, then the equipment structure remains simple, but the operator safety deteriorates and physical effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, controllers, and actuators to maneuver the dolly and attach it to trailers. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to physically handle heavy equipment, thereby improving safety while introducing complex automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly is equipped with self-propulsion capabilities through integrated motors and drive systems, allowing it to move autonomously without requiring manual pushing or pulling. The automated attachment system also performs coupling operations independently, reducing the need for human physical intervention and improving operational safety.
2Ease of operation
If automated propulsion systems are added to the dolly, then the physical effort required is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly is designed with multi-functional integrated systems that combine propulsion, steering, attachment, and positioning capabilities in a single automated platform. This universal design allows the same structural components to serve multiple functions, reducing the overall complexity increase despite adding automated propulsion and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the propulsion system, steering mechanism, and attachment system into an integrated automated control unit. By combining these functions into a unified system rather than separate independent mechanisms, the overall device complexity is minimized while still achieving reduced physical effort through automation.
3Reliability
If remote control operation is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control system that acts as an intermediary between the operator and the dolly's mechanical systems. The operator controls the dolly from a safe distance using wireless communication devices, eliminating the need for direct physical contact with moving parts while the control system translates remote commands into precise mechanical actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control system incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors, cameras, and position detectors that provide real-time information about the dolly's status and surroundings to the operator. This feedback loop enables safe remote operation by allowing the operator to monitor and adjust control actions based on actual system state without being physically present near hazardous areas.
4Productivity
If standardized securing points are implemented on dollies and trailers, then the securing process efficiency is improved, but the adaptability to handle various configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable securing points that can be repositioned along the dolly and trailer structures. These movable securing mechanisms maintain standardized interfaces for efficient automated attachment while being capable of adapting their positions to accommodate different trailer types and configurations, thus balancing efficiency with versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing system is divided into multiple modular standardized points distributed along the dolly and trailer structures. This segmentation allows the automated attachment system to efficiently engage with standardized interfaces while providing flexibility in selecting which points to use based on the specific configuration requirements, thereby maintaining both efficiency and adaptability.
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 safe and efficient maneuvering and coupling of trailers without excessive physical strain, reducing operator risk and facilitating secure intermodal transportation by automating the process and standardizing securing points.
Implementation Method 1
The landing gear has a steering control module with a hydraulic leg extending therefrom attaching wheels
Implementation Method 2
The wheels are connected to a motor that provides rotational movement to the wheels enabling the dolly to move under its own power
Implementation Method 3
The steering control module controls the direction of the landing gear wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A powered converter trolley for movement and attachment of trailers is provided. The trolley comprises a conventional converter trolley having a drawbar. The trolley has a power supply and operates as a towing device. The trolley connects to a freight trailer and can be raised or lowered from a stored position to a ground-engaging, working position. Alternatively, the wheels of the trolley may be powered for providing motion to the trolley. The trolley further comprises several attachment devices for securing the trolley to an intermodal railcar, including alternative hydraulic, mechanical, and electrically-powered tie down devices. A trolley movable along a railcar is provided for securing the trolley or trailer to the railcar and includes a hitch component for selectively interconnecting to a hitch component on the trolley or trailer.