Trailer Auto-Coupling Arm for Autonomous Utility Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer coupling systems require human intervention for connecting electrical, pneumatic, and other connections between towing vehicles and trailers, making them unsuitable for autonomous systems.
Innovation Solution
An auto-coupling system that includes a base plate, an extendable arm, a spring, and an alignment assembly to automatically align and connect electrical and pneumatic conduits between a towing vehicle and a trailer without human intervention, using passive mechanical means to maintain alignment through various angles and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual coupling methods are used for connecting electrical and pneumatic systems between towing vehicles and trailers, then the coupling process requires human intervention and is suitable for traditional towing, but it becomes unsuitable for autonomous systems where automatic coupling is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system uses self-aligning mechanisms where the connector assembly automatically positions itself relative to the coupling plate through geometric constraints and gravity-assisted alignment. The system performs its own coupling function without external intervention, with the connector naturally seeking its correct position through the designed mechanical geometry of the fifth wheel assembly and coupling plate features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling plate with specific geometric features that acts as an intermediary element between the fifth wheel assembly and the connector assembly. This coupling plate provides a standardized interface that mediates the alignment and connection process, enabling automatic coupling by serving as the intermediate component that both the vehicle side and trailer side connect to.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing coupling systems are used that require human intervention, then the system design can be simpler, but the system cannot support autonomous vehicle operations where automatic connection is required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling plate design incorporates universal features that accommodate both traditional manual coupling operations and autonomous automatic coupling operations. The standardized geometric interface allows the same hardware to serve multiple functions: it works with manual guidance when humans are present and enables fully automatic alignment and connection when used with autonomous vehicles, making the system universally applicable across different operational modes.
3Extent of automation
If an automatic alignment mechanism is implemented to enable autonomous coupling, then the system becomes suitable for autonomous operations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex active mechanical alignment systems (such as motors, sensors, and controlled actuators) with passive geometric alignment mechanisms. The automatic alignment is achieved through carefully designed geometric relationships between the coupling plate features, fifth wheel assembly, and connector assembly that naturally guide the components into proper alignment through their own shapes and positions, eliminating the need for additional powered mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system design creates a natural alignment path where the connector assembly, through its geometric constraints and the configuration of the coupling plate features, finds its correct position as the lowest energy state or most stable configuration. The system is designed so that proper alignment is the natural result of the components coming together, similar to how objects settle into equipotential positions under gravity, requiring no additional energy input for alignment.
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
Enables secure, automatic alignment and connection of electrical and pneumatic systems between towing vehicles and trailers, suitable for autonomous operations, with reduced complexity and cost, and compatibility with existing fifth wheel systems and most trailers.
Implementation Method 1
a spring fixedly coupled to the base plate at a second point and coupled to the extendable arm, the spring being configured to exert a retractive force onto the extendable arm
Implementation Method 2
the extendable arm is pivotally coupled to the base plate by a roller bearing
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-coupling system for coupling a trailer and a towing vehicle includes a base plate between a vehicle frame and a fifth wheel of the towing vehicle, an extendable arm rotatably coupled to the base plate at a first point and configured to extend in response to relative movement of the towing vehicle and the trailer, a spring fixedly coupled to the base plate at a second point and coupled to the extendable arm, the spring being configured to exert a retractive force onto the extendable arm, and an alignment assembly rotatably coupled to the extendable arm and configured to move against an outer perimeter of the trailer.