Tractor-Trailer Safety System for Electric Power Line De-energization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accidental disconnection of the electrical connector between a tractor and a trailer can lead to electrocution and fires due to the high voltage supply, as existing safety systems fail to prevent power transmission during separation.
Innovation Solution
A safety system that detects reciprocal movement between the tractor and trailer using a traction-detection element, such as an articulated arm or the electrical cable itself, to de-energize the entire electric line before connector disconnection, ensuring the power line is disconnected before physical disconnection occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical connector remains connected during tractor-trailer separation, then power transmission is maintained, but electrocution and fire hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the separation movement between tractor and trailer before the electrical connector actually disconnects. The detection system triggers de-energization of the power line in advance, ensuring that power transmission is stopped before the connector separates, thus preventing electrocution and fire hazards from exposed live contacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by applying a counter-action (de-energization) in advance to offset the harmful effect. When separation is detected, the system immediately interrupts power transmission to create a safe state before the dangerous disconnection occurs, preventing the harmful factors of electrocution and fire
2Reliability
If the electrical line is de-energized before connector disconnection, then safety is improved, but response time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the de-energization action in advance during the separation detection phase, before the actual connector disconnection occurs. This preliminary timing ensures safety is established while minimizing the duration of power interruption, as power is restored immediately upon reconnection
Solution Approach 2:
The system rushes through the de-energization process by using a rapid detection and response mechanism. The separation detection triggers immediate power interruption, and the system quickly restores power upon detecting reconnection, minimizing the time loss while ensuring safety
Data Source
AI summary
A safety system for an electric power line for interconnecting a tractor and a respective trailer, the safety system comprising a traction-detection element designed to identify a reciprocal departing movement between the tractor and the respective trailer, the traction-detection element being connected to means for de-energizing the electric power line when the reciprocal departing movement exceeds a predefined threshold.