Telescopic Trailer Actuation for Bridge Weight Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric dump trucks with multiple trailers face challenges such as high greenhouse gas emissions, compliance with weight limits on bridges, and inefficient load transportation due to mechanical differential issues.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically actuates a telescopic actuator connected between trailers of a truck, using GPS data to adjust the distance between trailers based on geographical location, thereby optimizing weight distribution and compliance with bridge weight limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the telescopic actuator is extended to reduce weight on bridges, then compliance with bridge weight limits is improved, but the distance between trailers increases reducing transportation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic actuator is designed to dynamically adjust the distance between trailers based on real-time location data. When approaching a bridge, the actuator extends to reduce weight on the bridge; when away from bridges, it retracts to maintain compact configuration for efficient transportation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between bridge compliance and transportation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses GPS location data as feedback to automatically control the telescopic actuator. The controller continuously monitors the truck's proximity to bridges and automatically adjusts the actuator position accordingly, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring optimal performance for both bridge compliance and transportation efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the telescopic actuator is automatically controlled using GPS data, then operational convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to operate autonomously using GPS data and automatic control algorithms. The telescopic actuator automatically extends or retracts based on its proximity to bridges without requiring manual input from the operator. This self-service capability improves operational convenience while the automation of control functions helps manage the inherent complexity of the system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple trips are made to transport material due to weight limits, then compliance with federal weight laws is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic actuator dynamically adjusts the trailer configuration to allow the truck to carry maximum loads while complying with bridge weight limits. By extending the actuator to distribute weight when crossing bridges and maintaining compact form for transportation, the system enables single-trip deliveries that would otherwise require multiple trips, thereby improving productivity while maintaining legal compliance.
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 system enhances the truck's ability to carry larger loads while reducing emissions and improving maneuverability by optimizing weight distribution and adhering to bridge weight limits.
Implementation Method 1
using a hydraulic system for providing the movement of the inner section relative to the outer section
Data Source
AI summary
A system for actuating a telescopic actuator that is mechanically connected to a back end of a first trailer of a truck and a front end of a second trailer of the truck is disclosed herein. The system has one or more data processors; and non-transitory machine-readable memory storing instructions executable by the one or more data processors. The instructions when executed by the one or more data processor is configured to determine, using data indicative of a geographical location of the truck, an initiation time at which to initiate actuation of the telescopic actuator. The instructions when executed by the one or more data processors is then configured to automatically initiate actuation of the telescopic actuator at the initiation time.