Trailer Breakaway Switch Cable Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer braking systems face issues with cables or chains dragging on the ground, leading to fraying and failure, and require extra user effort for replacement, while also posing safety hazards due to fragmented wires.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a coiled, biased, and resilient spring system within the cable structure that maintains the cable off the road surface, using a coil spring shape that contracts with slack and extends under tension, or a retractable spooling mechanism to prevent dragging and ensure proper brake activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable or chain is used to connect the trailer to the tow vehicle for brake activation, then the brake system can be activated when the trailer becomes separated, but the cable or chain drags on the ground causing fraying and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is replaced with a spring mechanism that utilizes vertical dimension to maintain elevation above ground. The spring's coiled structure allows it to extend and contract while maintaining a suspended position, preventing ground contact that causes fraying while still enabling brake activation through vertical motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional flexible cable is replaced with a mechanical spring system that provides both the connection function and the elevation function. The spring's inherent mechanical properties (elasticity, coiling) replace the need for a separate cable and support structure, eliminating ground contact while maintaining brake activation capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a long cable (4-6 feet) is used to allow articulation between tow vehicle and trailer, then smooth movement is enabled, but the cable hangs down near the road surface creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism transitions the cable from a horizontal ground-level configuration to a vertical suspended configuration. By utilizing the vertical dimension through its coiled structure, the spring maintains the necessary length for articulation while elevating the connection point above ground level, eliminating the safety hazard of fragmented cables on the road surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the connection element changes from a flexible, sagging cable to an elastic, tension-maintaining spring. This parameter change in structural rigidity and tension distribution allows the system to accommodate articulation movements while maintaining elevation and preventing ground contact that leads to fragmentation.
3Reliability
If the cable is kept taut to prevent dragging, then brake activation is ensured, but premature brake activation occurs during normal articulation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism introduces dynamic tension adjustment capability. During normal articulation, the spring contracts to maintain a relaxed, non-taut state that allows smooth movement without triggering brakes. During separation events, the spring extends to its full length, creating the tension necessary to activate the brake system, thus providing conditional tension based on operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension parameter of the connection element changes dynamically based on the operational state. The spring's elastic properties allow it to maintain low tension during normal articulation (preventing premature activation) while achieving high tension during separation (ensuring activation). This parameter change resolves the contradiction between ensuring activation and allowing smooth operation.
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 solution effectively prevents cable dragging, maintains brake functionality, and reduces safety hazards by keeping the cable elevated and tensioned, allowing for smooth articulation between the tow vehicle and trailer without premature brake activation.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the cable is formed into a coil spring shape so that the coil spring shape contracts with slack and extends with tension
Implementation Method 2
a coiled, biased, and resilient spring system within the cable structure that maintains the cable off the road surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to trailer and towing safety devices, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to trailer automatic braking devices that initiate braking when a trailer becomes separated from its tow vehicle.