Semi-Trailer Immobilizer Kingpin Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immobilization devices for road trailers, such as semi-trailers, are ineffective in preventing rotation, rearing, or buckling during handling due to their design, which relies on indirect immobilization methods that do not account for the unique balance and weight distribution of trailers with rear wheels and front crutches, leading to accidents.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base anchored to the ground and a sliding carriage equipped with elevation arms and a blocking head that can be remotely controlled to lock onto the trailer's coupling pin, allowing direct immobilization and rebalancing along the trailer's longitudinal axis, preventing rotation and rearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocking device acts on the wheel to immobilize the trailer, then the wheel rotation is prevented, but the trailer can still rotate or rear up due to weight imbalance and overhang
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the immobilization action from the wheel and relocates it to the kingpin. By removing the blocking action from the wheel and applying it directly to the kingpin instead, the device prevents trailer rotation and rearing more effectively while avoiding the limitations of wheel-based immobilization methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device prepares the immobilization mechanism in advance by positioning the carriage on the guide rail and pre-aligning the blocking element with the kingpin location. This allows the blocking action to be applied immediately when needed, preventing rotational and rearing movements before they can occur.
2Ease of operation
If the guide rail is located laterally with respect to the vehicle, then the carriage can circulate without obstruction, but the device cannot access the longitudinal axis to prevent rotation and rearing
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is repositioned from a lateral location to a longitudinal location along the vehicle's axis. This dimensional change allows the carriage to access the kingpin position directly, enabling effective prevention of rotation and rearing while still maintaining smooth operation through the guide rail system.
3Device complexity
If the blocking device immobilizes the wheel indirectly, then the device structure is simpler, but the trailer balance cannot be restored and accidents may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the blocking action from the wheel and relocates it to the kingpin. By removing the blocking action from the wheel and applying it directly to the kingpin instead, the device prevents trailer rotation and rearing more effectively while avoiding the limitations of wheel-based immobilization methods.
Data Source
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AI summary
The immobilization of an uncoupled semi-trailer is achieved using a vehicle immobilizer (1) for the transport of goods, comprising a positioned guide means and a trolley that moves along a guide means. The device is a semi-trailer immobilizer (2), comprising a base (1.1) anchored to the ground forming a guide rail for the sliding trolley (1.2). Said trolley (1.2) is equipped with at least one lifting arm (1.5) extended by a locking head (1.6) fitted with a part (1.7) for retaining the trailer's coupling pivot, the lifting arm and the locking head (1.6) forming a removable support leg. The invention applies to the use of a device comprising a base anchored to the ground forming a rail that allows a sliding trolley, the trolley (1.2) being equipped with at least one lifting arm extended by a locking head fitted with a retaining piece for the trailer coupling pivot, the lifting arm and the locking head (1.6) forming a removable support controlled from a technical column (4) to immobilize a semi-trailer during the loading or unloading of goods at a loading and unloading dock.