Tandem Axle Lock Pin Alignment Using Camera Viewer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current methods for adjusting and aligning tandem axle lock pins on semi-trailers are time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies, often requiring multiple individuals to communicate and move between the tractor and trailer, increasing the risk of injury and death due to noise and distance-related challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a viewer with a camera and magnet attached to the trailer, digitally coupled with a remote receiver, such as a smartphone, allowing a single individual to align and lock the tandem axle slider frame with the trailer rail using wireless communication, enabling precise alignment without repeated movement between the tractor and trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple individuals work together to adjust and align tandem axle lock pins, then the alignment accuracy improves, but the safety risk increases due to noise and distance-related communication challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device that captures images of the lock pin alignment process. The camera is positioned to view the lock pin and rail opening, allowing the operator to see the alignment status remotely through a display device, eliminating the need for multiple individuals to physically position themselves in dangerous areas while maintaining alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the actual alignment scene by using a camera to capture images of the lock pin and rail opening. This visual copy is then displayed on a display device, allowing the operator to view the alignment status without being physically present in the hazardous area, thus reducing safety risks while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If the driver repeatedly moves between the tractor cab and trailer to check alignment, then the alignment precision improves, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera acts as an intermediary that provides continuous visual feedback of the lock pin alignment status to the operator in the tractor cab. This eliminates the need for the operator to repeatedly exit the cab to check alignment, reducing time consumption while maintaining alignment precision through real-time visual monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by capturing images of the lock pin and rail opening with the camera and displaying them on a display device in the tractor cab. This feedback loop allows the operator to monitor alignment precision in real-time without leaving the cab, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining high alignment precision
3Extent of automation
If proximity sensors and position devices are installed to aid alignment, then the alignment automation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing complex proximity sensors and position devices, the patent uses a camera to create a visual copy of the alignment status. This approach provides sufficient automation aid through image capture and display without adding significant device complexity, as the camera and display are simpler components compared to sensor systems
Solution Approach 2:
The camera serves as a simple intermediary device that provides visual information about the alignment status without requiring complex sensor systems. This intermediary approach achieves a reasonable level of automation while keeping device complexity low, as the camera system is easier to install and maintain than proximity sensors and position devices
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
This solution significantly reduces the time and risk associated with aligning tandem axle lock pins by allowing a single person to accurately align and lock the trailer components, enhancing safety and efficiency by minimizing the need for repeated movements and improving communication through digital means.
Implementation Method 1
providing a viewer, the viewer comprising a housing having a bottom and a front, with a magnet positioned proximate the bottom
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for moving and aligning tandem axle lock pins on a semi-trailer, having a viewer and a remote receiver that are placeable in communication with each other. The viewer is attachable to a trailer so that a camera on the viewer can be positioned such that the trailer slide rail and tandem axle slider frame of a trailer are within the field of vision. The remote receiver may be a smartphone which can access data from the camera so that the user can from a remote location, such as a cab of a tractor, determine the alignment and orientation of the trailer slide rail and the tandem axle slider frame.