Sliding Tandem RFID Position Sensing for In-Cab Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting the position of semi-tractor trailer tandems are manual and time-consuming, leading to potential violations of state laws and inefficient vehicle handling due to inaccurate tandem positioning.
Innovation Solution
A tandem position sensing system using RFID tags mounted to the trailer and an RFID reader on the sliding tandem to determine the position in real time, communicating this data to the driver or autonomous systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection method is used to check tandem position, then the driver can confirm the position, but the process requires the driver to exit and reenter the truck cab many times which is tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection method with an automated RFID sensing system. The RFID reader mounted on the sliding tandem automatically detects RFID tags positioned along the trailer chassis, providing real-time position data to the driver display without requiring the driver to exit the cab. This substitution of mechanical/manual inspection with electronic sensing resolves the contradiction by maintaining accurate position measurement while eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The tandem positioning system performs self-measurement through the RFID reader that is mounted on the sliding tandem itself. As the tandem moves, the reader automatically detects the nearest RFID tag and determines position without external intervention or driver action. This self-service capability allows continuous position monitoring without requiring driver involvement, resolving the time loss issue while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If the driver manually adjusts the tandem position by exiting and reentering the cab to visually check, then the tandem can be repositioned, but the process is tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual checking during repositioning with automated RFID-based position feedback. The system continuously provides position information to the driver through the display, allowing the driver to adjust the tandem from inside the cab without repeated exits. This substitution transforms the repositioning operation from a tedious manual process into an efficient guided operation, resolving both ease of operation and time loss issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by displaying the current tandem position to the driver during the repositioning process. This feedback mechanism allows the driver to make informed adjustments without exiting the cab, as the position information is continuously updated based on RFID tag detection. The feedback loop resolves the contradiction by making the repositioning process both easier and faster through information guidance.
3Extent of automation
If RFID tags and reader system is implemented, then automated position detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position sensing function from the driver's manual inspection task and implements it as a separate automated RFID system. The RFID tags are mounted on the trailer chassis while the reader is mounted on the sliding tandem, separating the sensing components from the driver's operational tasks. This extraction achieves automation while managing complexity by creating dedicated sensing components rather than complicating existing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system serves multiple functions: it provides position detection, guides repositioning operations, and prevents legal violations through accurate positioning. By using a universal RFID technology platform that can fulfill multiple operational needs, the system achieves high automation extent while avoiding the complexity that would result from implementing separate specialized systems for each function.
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
Automates tandem position detection, reducing the need for manual checks, preventing legal violations, and improving vehicle handling by providing accurate turning radius information.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID reader attached to a fixed position on the sliding tandem, which can read the unique identifiers of the RFID tags
Data Source
AI summary
A tandem position sensing system of a vehicle includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags coupled to a trailer or a chassis of the vehicle and arranged along a first direction; and an RFID reader coupled to a sliding tandem of the vehicle that is moveable relative to the trailer or the chassis, the RFID reader being configured to identify a unique identifier of one the plurality of RFID tags that is proximate to the RFID reader, the unique identifier corresponding to a position of the sliding tandem relative to the trailer or the chassis.