Trailer Cable And Air Hose Interlock for Safe Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-trailer trucks face unsafe driving conditions and equipment damage due to operator mistakes during trailer connection and disconnection processes, particularly with electrical cables and air hoses, leading to improper connections and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A trailer connection safety system that uses an electronic control unit to monitor the connection state of electrical cables and air hoses, generating alerts and acting as an interlock to ensure proper connections and disconnections, preventing unsafe operations and equipment damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tractor is continually connected and disconnected from trailers, then the tractor can haul numerous different trailers for different shipments, but operator mistakes in the connection process lead to unsafe driving conditions and equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the connection states of electrical cables and air hoses between tractor and trailer, providing real-time feedback to the operator through visual and audible alerts. Sensors detect whether connectors are properly mated and provide this information to the control unit, which then alerts the operator if improper connections are detected, enabling correction before unsafe operations occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring of connection states without requiring manual inspection by the operator. The sensors and control unit automatically detect connection status and manage the alerting process, reducing reliance on operator attention and memory while ensuring consistent monitoring of all connection points.
2Productivity
If the electrical cable is not properly connected, then the connection process is faster, but the trailer lights do not become active creating unsafe conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system immediately detects when the electrical cable connector is not properly mated between tractor and trailer, and provides real-time feedback to the operator through alerts. This allows the operator to quickly identify and correct improper connections without manual inspection, maintaining connection speed while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual visual inspection and testing of electrical connections with automated sensors that detect connector mating status. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to manually verify connections while providing more reliable detection of improper connection states.
3Ease of operation
If the air hoses are not properly connected, then the connection process is simplified, but the trailer brake operability is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors air hose connection status through sensors that detect whether connectors are properly mated. Real-time feedback is provided to the operator through alerts if improper connections are detected, ensuring brake system reliability while maintaining simple connection procedures.
4Productivity
If the tractor pulls away from the trailer without prior disconnection of electrical cable and air hoses, then the disconnection process is faster, but equipment damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires that electrical cable and air hose connections be properly disconnected and stowed before the tractor can be uncoupled from the trailer. Sensors detect the connection status and prevent uncoupling operations until proper disconnection is achieved, eliminating the risk of equipment damage from dragging cables or hoses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback during the disconnection process, alerting the operator if cables or hoses are not properly stowed before uncoupling. This feedback mechanism ensures that proper disconnection procedures are followed while maintaining efficient operation.
5Ease of operation
If the electrical cable is left loose and unstowed, then access to the connector is easier, but the cable may be dragged or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors whether the electrical cable is properly stowed in its designated storage location. Sensors detect if the cable connector is in the stowed position and provide feedback to the operator through alerts if the cable is left loose, preventing dragging and damage while maintaining easy access when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer connection safety system is provided. In example aspects, the system receives an action by an operator of a vehicle and determines a connection state of an electrical cable. If the electrical cable is not in an appropriate state for the action of the operator, an alert is generated and displayed. In further aspects, the system may act as an interlock to prevent the action of the operator if the electrical cable is not in an appropriate state.