Spring-Mounted Conduit Cradle for Tractor-Trailer Articulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for supporting hoses and cables between truck tractors and trailers are prone to damage due to slack, abrasion, kinking, and vibration, and lack sufficient flexibility and durability to accommodate varying orientations and lengths, especially during articulation.

Innovation Solution

A cradle system with a through-extending channel, arcuate shape, and hinged sections, supported by compression springs and extension springs, allowing multi-axial pivotal and displaceable movement, and featuring a tubular hose support radially angled to 90°, which can adjust to accommodate conduit displacement and tension changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hoses and cables are constructed of sufficient length to accommodate the longest anticipated distance between connection points, then the hoses can accommodate varying orientations during articulation, but there is significant slack when horizontally aligned causing damage from abrasion, kinking, and improper engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying orientationsVSAvoiddamage from slack

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support system transitions from a static fixed support to a dynamic system with spring-mounted rails that allow lateral movement. The springs enable the support structure to move with the articulation between tractor and trailer, maintaining hose tension and preventing slack-related damage while accommodating orientation changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical state of the support structure by introducing spring elements that provide elastic deformation. This allows the support position to vary dynamically based on articulation angle, transforming the rigid support into a flexible system that adapts to different operational configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If spring or strap supports are used to suspend hoses above the frame, then the hoses can move laterally during articulation, but undesired vibrations are communicated into the cab from road-induced movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral movement during articulationVSAvoidvibrations into cab

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful vibration transmission path is removed by extracting the direct connection between the spring support and the cab structure. The support system is repositioned to mount on the frame rather than the cab, and the spring isolation is optimized to prevent vibration communication to the cab while maintaining necessary lateral movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the support rail is positioned to accommodate articulated positions, then the hoses can move freely during turning, but the hoses hang lower than desired when uncoupled making them vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement during turningVSAvoidvulnerability when uncoupled

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is pre-configured with spring tension and rail positioning that automatically adjusts hose elevation based on operational state. When uncoupled, the spring tension maintains hoses at an elevated safe position; during articulation, the springs allow lateral movement while maintaining appropriate height, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The cradle system effectively minimizes damage by maintaining optimal tension and support, reducing vibration transmission, and allowing for flexible movement to accommodate varying orientations without kinking or breaking, ensuring hoses and cables remain secure and functional across different tractor-trailer alignments.

Implementation Method 1

The cradle can be supported atop a vertical member extending from a floor location between the tractor and trailer... permitting any degree of multi-axial (e.g. eccentric) pivotal and/or displaceable support in response to articulation between the tractor and trailer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

permitting any degree of multi-axial (e.g. eccentric) pivotal and/or displaceable support in response to articulation between the tractor and trailer, the laid-in conduits further being allowed to displace relative to the elevated and supporting location provided by the cradle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9308791B2Elevated cradle for supporting conduits extending between a vehicle tractor and trailer

Publication Date: 2016.04.12 KORSON ALBERT

AI summary

A cradle for supporting conduit extending between a truck and articulating trailer. The cradle includes a radially curved and open ended body which is resiliently supported upon an adjustable vertical support member for permitting lay-in receipt of the harness. A mounting assembly for the vertical support member positions the same atop a platform extending between the tractor and trailer and, in one non-limiting variant, is constructed of two parallel plate members with three or more compression/extension spring combinations.