Trailer Equipment Inflation Control for Faster Vehicle Departure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflating trailer equipment in vehicles is a time-consuming process that leads to increased downtime, delaying vehicle departure.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that autonomously determines if a vehicle will depart within a timeframe and, if so, authorizes and executes the inflation of trailer equipment to reach a departure pressure threshold, using sensors and processing circuitry to ensure safe and efficient inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trailer equipment is inflated manually before departure, then the equipment is properly inflated, but the vehicle departure time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically inflating the trailer equipment in advance of the driver's departure readiness. The computer system monitors trailer connection status and autonomously activates the air compressor to inflate equipment before the driver needs to depart, eliminating the need for manual pre-departure inflation actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling the trailer equipment inflation process to occur automatically without driver intervention. The computer system detects when the trailer is connected and initiates inflation autonomously, allowing the equipment to service itself rather than requiring manual driver operation.
2Reliability
If the driver waits for trailer equipment to be inflated before departing, then the equipment is safely inflated, but the vehicle downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the inflation action preliminarily, before the driver needs to depart. By monitoring trailer connection status and automatically initiating inflation when the trailer is connected, the system ensures equipment is ready in advance, maintaining safety while eliminating waiting time that reduces productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring trailer connection status and equipment pressure levels. The computer system receives data about whether the trailer is connected and adjusts the inflation process accordingly, providing real-time feedback control that ensures safe operation while optimizing departure timing.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system, for inflating a trailer equipment included in a trailer, comprising processing circuitry configured to receive data including at least a trailer connection status and a trailer load; determine if a vehicle comprising the trailer and a tractor unit will depart within a predetermined timeframe, based at least on the trailer connection status and the trailer load; and if the vehicle is determined to depart within the predetermined timeframe, output an inflation authorization message, to increase the trailer equipment pressure to be equal to or above a departure pressure threshold.