Tractor-Trailer Coupling Device with Segmented Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing vehicle-trailer connection devices struggle to meet varying braking ratio requirements across different trailer generations and regulatory standards, particularly when coupling new and old generation trailers with single or dual female joints, leading to inadequate braking pressure and thrust issues.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first and second male joint, each with valve means that can move between open and closed positions, and a second female joint with an abutment element to interact with the thrust element, allowing the control means to adjust the piloting elements' displacement and thus the braking ratio, compatible with trailers having one or two female joints and requiring pressure adjustments via an adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single female joint is used to connect old generation trailers, then the connection is simple and compatible with previous regulations, but the braking pressure transmitted to the trailer is insufficient to command its brakes properly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is segmented into two separate male joints (first male joint for braking system, second male joint for parking/automatic brake) that can independently connect to corresponding female joints on the trailer. This segmentation allows each joint to independently control and transmit braking pressure without interference, ensuring sufficient braking force transmission while maintaining structural organization and compatibility with different trailer configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the braking rate is reduced to match road vehicle standards, then regulatory compliance is improved, but the braking pressure from towing vehicles becomes insufficient for trailers built according to previous regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device incorporates dynamic control through two independently operable valve means that can adjust braking pressure transmission in real-time. The first valve means controls pressure from the braking system through the first male joint, while the second valve means controls pressure from the parking/automatic brake through the second male joint. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt braking pressure levels to match both reduced regulatory standards and the higher force requirements of older trailers, ensuring compatibility across different regulatory frameworks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control means are activated by the second female joint to reduce braking ratio, then compatibility with new generation trailers is improved, but the device becomes inadequate for trailers requiring high braking ratio with pressure adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device achieves universality by providing two separate male joints with independent valve means that can function in multiple configurations. The first male joint with its valve means handles the primary braking system connection, while the second male joint with its valve means handles the parking/automatic brake connection. This multi-functional design allows the same device to work with both new generation trailers (with two female joints requiring reduced braking ratio) and older trailers (with single female joint requiring high braking ratio), as each joint-valve combination can be independently controlled to match the specific trailer requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) for the towing vehicle-trailer connection, comprises: a first male joint (2) inside which are provided first valve means (2a); a first female adapted to receive said first male joint (2); a second male joint (3) inside which are provided second valve means (3a) comprising a plugging element (25) housed in a sliding manner inside the second male joint (3) between a closed position and an open position; a brake-trailer valve (4) comprising a body (5) wherein at least one seat (6) inside which is housed in a sliding manner a distributor (10); piloting means (11) of the distributor (10) comprising at least a first and a second piloting element (11a, 11b) which are adapted to interact with the distributor (10); control means (12) operable by said second valve means (3a) and movable between a home position, wherein they allow the displacement of both the piloting elements (11a, 11b), and a work position, wherein they are adapted to lock the displacement of one of the piloting elements (11a, 11b), the second valve means (3a) comprising at least one thrust element (28) housed in a sliding manner inside the second male joint (3) and adapted to interact with the control means (12); where the thrust element (28) is movable in a sliding manner with respect to the plugging element (25) and has at least a first end (28a) facing outwardly of said second male joint (3) and a second end (28b), opposed to the first end (28a), able to interact with the control means (12).