Trailer Drawbar Actuator for Automatic Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer braking systems require manual intervention and are not autonomous, leading to inadequate braking during coupling breaks, slope changes, or rear impacts, and are inefficient in managing kinetic energy in convoys, limiting logistical flexibility and safety.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous braking device with a drawbar actuator and brake actuators connected via a hydraulic or pneumatic circuit, featuring an elastic return mechanism, allowing automatic engagement and regulation of braking intensity without external energy or manual intervention, ensuring immediate braking in case of coupling breakage or other hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a manual wheel locking system is used, then the braking function can be implemented, but it requires manual intervention and does not provide automatic braking during travel
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system automatically engages when the drawbar actuator experiences zero force (coupling break, slope change, rear impact) without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational state through the force sensor on the drawbar actuator rod and autonomously activating the brakes when hazardous conditions are detected.
2Reliability
If existing hydraulic braking systems are used, then braking control is available, but they are sensitive to coupling breaks, slope changes, and rear impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by automatically engaging the brakes in anticipation of potential hazards detected through zero force conditions on the drawbar actuator. This prevents the trailer from continuing unchecked in hazardous situations such as coupling breaks, slope changes, or rear impacts, countering the harmful effects before they can cause damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate control mechanisms are used for breakaway function, then braking control is available, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar actuator serves multiple functions: it controls normal braking operations during travel and simultaneously detects hazardous conditions (coupling breaks, slope changes, rear impacts) through its force sensor. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate breakaway control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
4Reliability
If braking pressure is calibrated according to trailer position in convoy, then kinetic energy management is improved, but logistical flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each trailer's braking system independently monitors its own drawbar actuator force and autonomously engages brakes when hazardous conditions are detected, without requiring calibration based on position in the convoy. This self-service approach maintains reliable kinetic energy management while allowing trailers to be freely interchanged and positioned anywhere in the convoy.
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 provides immediate and controlled braking in case of coupling breakage or other hazards, ensuring safety and flexibility by allowing trailers to be freely positioned within a convoy, with no energy drain from the tractor unit, enabling independent and instantaneous braking of each trailer.
Implementation Method 1
means for automatic return of the drawbar actuator in a braking situation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a braking device for a trailer, comprising a drawbar actuator (1) capable of being placed on the drawbar of the trailer and a means (4) for linking said actuator (1) with the braking system (3) of the trailer, and comprising a means (6) for automatically resetting the actuator (1) in the case of braking. It is characterized in that it comprises a brake actuator (2) capable of controlling a brake system (3) for at least one wheel of the trailer, connected to said means (4), and provided between the actuator (1) and the braking system (3) of the trailer, in order to place the trailer in a braking position when the actuator (1) is submitted to a zero effort, particularly in the case of breakage of the coupling. The invention relates a trailer equipped with such a device and an actuator device for a trailer drawbar for such a braking device.