Tractor Trailer High Voltage Cable Skid Plate Guide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractor and trailer combinations with diesel engine refrigeration units do not effectively accommodate the required rotating angles during tractor turning operations due to the lack of suitable connections for high voltage electrical and coolant hoses, which are not available as coiled and stretchable cables.
Innovation Solution
A tractor and trailer combination that utilizes a high voltage alternator and static converter with multi-core shielded high voltage cables and heavy coolant hoses, supported by a skid plate or energy chain to maintain connection and prevent interference during trailer rotation, allowing for a maximum trailer rotating angle of 110 degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If coiled and stretchable hoses and cables are used for connection between tractor and trailer, then the connection can accommodate trailer rotation during turning operations, but high voltage cables and heavy coolant hoses are not available as coiled and stretchable cables due to required large cross section and shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into multiple segments: a fixed-length high voltage cable with sufficient bending radius, a rotary joint mechanism, and a skid plate with guide groove. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the cable maintains electrical connection, the rotary joint enables rotation, and the guide groove constrains cable movement path.
Solution Approach 2:
A skid plate with a guide groove is introduced as an intermediary component between the high voltage cable and the ground. This skid plate acts as a mediator that guides and protects the cable during trailer rotation, preventing the cable from being pinched or damaged by the couplings while accommodating the required 110-degree rotating angle.
2Reliability
If high voltage alternator and static converter are installed with multi-core shielded high voltage cables, then reliable high voltage electrical power delivery is achieved, but the cable and hose connections become complex and require special support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The skid plate combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support for the high voltage cable, incorporates a guide groove to constrain cable movement, and protects the cable from pinching between couplings. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall connection structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove is pre-formed in the skid plate at the correct position and orientation to accommodate the cable's movement path during rotation. The cable is routed through this pre-prepared groove, ensuring proper alignment and protection before operation begins, preventing pinching and damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conduit is allowed to flex freely during trailer rotation, then the trailer can achieve maximum rotating angle, but the high voltage cable and coolant hoses may become pinched by couplings or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The skid plate provides localized protection and guidance only in the critical area where the cable passes between the couplings. The guide groove is positioned precisely where the cable is most vulnerable to pinching, providing targeted protection without restricting the overall rotation capability of the trailer.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem of cable management during rotation is solved by adding a vertical dimension - the skid plate extends downward from the tractor frame, creating a three-dimensional path for the cable. This allows the cable to flex in a controlled arc above the ground level, preventing contact with ground obstacles and pinching between couplings.
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 reliable and secure high voltage electrical power and coolant delivery between the tractor and trailer, accommodating the trailer's rotating angle during turning operations without interference, ensuring continuous operation of the electric refrigeration unit.
Implementation Method 1
an additional alternator (high voltage alternator for power supply of electric refrigeration unit), which converts a mechanical energy from the tractor engine to AC electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a static converter (a power electric drive capable to convert electric input power from the alternator into a controlled output power suitable to drive the electric refrigeration unit)
Implementation Method 3
The high voltage alternator and the static converter can be water cooled
Implementation Method 4
water cooling system operates as an internal part of the electric refrigeration unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A tractor and trailer combination including a tractor having a tractor frame, a supply unit, a trailer coupling, a skid plate, and a first connector coupled to the tractor frame and coupled to the supply unit to receive at least one of high voltage electrical power and coolant from the supply unit. The combination also includes a trailer having a trailer frame, a tractor coupling rotatably connecting the trailer to the tractor, and a second connector coupled to the trailer and configured to provide the at least one of high voltage electrical power and coolant to the trailer. The combination further includes a conduit having a first end coupled to the first connector, a second end coupled to the second connector. The conduit flexes and is supported between the first and second ends by the skid plate throughout rotation of the trailer relative to the tractor.