Trailer Hydraulic Circuit Selector for Driving Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer driving assistance systems are complex, expensive, and have not evolved significantly since the 1970s, lacking a system to effectively assist trailer driving using an open-circuit hydraulic supply circuit for tipping operations.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system comprising a pump on a towing vehicle, a hydraulic hose connected to a selector that can route fluid either to a trailer's tipping cylinder or a driving assistance circuit, with a return duct connected to a tank on the towing vehicle, enabling selective operation and enhancing driving assistance capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an open-circuit hydraulic supply system is used for tipping operations, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot provide driving assistance to the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pump is designed to serve multiple functions: it can supply hydraulic fluid either to the tipping cylinder or to the driving assistance circuit. The circuit selector enables the same pump to fulfill different roles (tipping operation vs. driving assistance), making the system versatile without requiring separate hydraulic systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic circuit is divided into separate controllable paths using the circuit selector. One path directs fluid to the tipping cylinder, while another path directs fluid to the driving assistance circuit. This segmentation allows independent control of each function while using a common pump source.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a selector is added to enable selective operation between tipping and driving assistance, then the system becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit selector acts as an intermediary component that manages the distribution of hydraulic fluid between different functions. Rather than requiring complex control systems or multiple pumps, the selector serves as a simple mediator that routes fluid based on operational needs, adding minimal complexity while enabling versatile selective operation.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic fluid is routed to the driving assistance circuit, then driving assistance is provided, but the risk of unintended tipping increases without proper control
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit selector provides dynamic control over hydraulic fluid routing, allowing the operator to switch between tipping and driving assistance functions as needed. This dynamic switching capability ensures that hydraulic fluid is directed to the appropriate circuit based on current operational requirements, preventing unintended tipping while enabling driving assistance when required.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and reliable method for trailer driving assistance, enhancing safety by preventing unintended tipping and allowing seamless integration with existing hydraulic systems, while ensuring safe operation by controlling fluid flow and preventing accidental actuation of hydraulic components.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump (130) installed on a towing vehicle (10), a hydraulic hose (160) connected to an outlet of the pump (130)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a hydraulic system comprising a hydraulic pump (130) installed on a truck tractor (10), a hydraulic pipe (160) connected to the outlet of the pump (130) and a connector (170) positioned at the outlet of the pipe (160) and designed to be connected to a complementary socket (180) provided on a trailer (20) in order to supply a ram (110) positioned on the trailer, for example for tipping purposes, characterised by the fact that it comprises a circuit selector (210) designed to connect said socket (180) selectively either to a ram (110) or a conduit (220) supplying a drive assistance circuit and an assistance circuit return conduit (250) designed to be connected to a tank (120) positioned on the truck tractor.