Automatic Tractor-Trailer Coupling Head for Hands-Free Line Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual docking and undocking of trailers to tractors in cargo yards and intermodal facilities is time-consuming and expensive due to the need for human intervention.
Innovation Solution
An automatic tractor trailer coupling system with a movable tractor coupling head and a trailer coupling head, featuring sensors, actuators, and mechanical linkages to align and secure air and electrical connections without human intervention, utilizing a flexure for compliance and a latching mechanism for secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual docking and undocking operations are used, then human intervention is required, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional modules: a fifth wheel coupling mechanism, a coupling head with air and electrical line connectors, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling automated operation while keeping individual components manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling head integrates multiple functions into a single device: mechanical coupling via the fifth wheel, air line connection for braking systems, and electrical connection for lighting and signaling. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed, automating the entire coupling process without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If automated coupling system is implemented, then human labor is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions the coupling head and adjusts the fifth wheel height before the actual coupling operation occurs. Sensors detect the trailer's position and the control system prepares the coupling mechanism in advance, enabling rapid automated coupling without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors monitor the coupling process and provide feedback to the control system, which adjusts the fifth wheel height and positioning mechanisms accordingly. This closed-loop control enables fast, accurate automated coupling while using relatively simple mechanical components guided by intelligent control logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fifth wheel coupling height is made adjustable, then compatibility with different trailers is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fifth wheel coupling height is made dynamically adjustable through a height control system that can move the fifth wheel vertically. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to trailers of different heights without requiring multiple fixed-position couplings, achieving versatility through controlled motion rather than mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual height adjustment mechanism is replaced with an automated height control system that uses sensors and actuators to adjust the fifth wheel position automatically. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with sensor-actuator control simplifies the overall system while providing precise, programmable height adjustment for different trailer types.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automatically coupling the air and electrical lines of a tractor to a trailer. A trailer coupling head is mounted to the trailer and carries air line and electrical connectors. A fifth wheel coupling height control system is configured to automatically control the height of the tractor's fifth wheel coupling, to control the height of the trailer coupling head. A tractor coupling head carries air line and electrical connectors that are configured to be operably coupled to the mating connectors of the trailer coupling head. A tractor coupling head carrier removably carries the tractor coupling head. A tractor coupling head carrier control system moves the tractor coupling head carrier toward and away from the trailer coupling head along a longitudinal axis. The tractor coupling head can be clamped to and carried by the tractor coupling head carrier or the tractor coupling head can be clamped to the trailer coupling head.