Slidable Gladhand With Pneumatic Piston for Autonomous Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous connecting and disconnecting of gladhands and other connectors between a tractor and a trailer remains a challenge in autonomous tractor-trailer operations.
Innovation Solution
A slidable gladhand design that allows for coupling with a standard gladhand by sliding the tractor gladhand onto the trailer gladhand without rotation, utilizing a piston mechanism for secure connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a standard gladhand connection is used, then the coupling mechanism is simple, but autonomous connection and disconnection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gladhand incorporates a movable piston that can extend and retract dynamically. The piston extends automatically upon connection to engage the mating gladhand and retracts upon disconnection, enabling autonomous operation without requiring manual manipulation of the connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The gladhand uses pneumatic pressure from air hoses to actuate the piston. When air pressure is applied, it moves the piston to extend or retract, providing automated control of the coupling mechanism through fluid power rather than mechanical linkages.
2Extent of automation
If a piston mechanism is added for autonomous operation, then automation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism serves multiple functions: it extends to initiate connection, engages with the mating gladhand to secure coupling, and retracts to enable disconnection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The gladhand system is designed to perform its own connection and disconnection operations through the automated piston mechanism controlled by air pressure, eliminating the need for external actuation systems or manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the gladhand requires rotation for connection, then the coupling is secure, but autonomous operation becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring rotation to achieve connection, the design inverts the approach by using linear extension of the piston to initiate and complete the coupling. The piston extends perpendicular to the gladhand surface, pushing the mating gladhand into its seated position without rotational motion.
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 and reliable coupling and decoupling of tractor and trailer gladhands, facilitating autonomous operations and reducing human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
When air is passing through the air hose coupling a portion of the piston is actuated out of the piston chamber and when air is not passing through the air hose coupling the piston is disposed within the piston chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A gladhand is disclosed. The gladhand, for example, may include a gladhand body having a central axis and a substantially flat gladhand surface and a tongue that extends from the gladhand body and substantially perpendicular relative to the central axis. The gladhand, for example, may also include a concave pocket that extends from gladhand surface. The gladhand, for example, may also include a piston chamber within the gladhand body that extends substantially along the central axis and forming a piston aperture within the gladhand surface and a piston disposed within the piston chamber that actuates at least partially into and out of the piston chamber through the piston aperture along the central axis.