Trailer Mounting Box With Alignment Surface for Auto Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in automating the establishment of electrical and pneumatic connections between towing and trailer vehicles, particularly in autonomous driving scenarios, and existing automated systems are prone to alignment issues and mechanical impacts.
Innovation Solution
A mounting box with a continuous alignment area and integrated connectors, combined with a device on the towing vehicle that includes an outrigger, alignment device, and gripper arm, allowing for automatic alignment and connection of truck connectors with trailer connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated alignment devices are used to establish connections between towing and trailer vehicles, then automation is improved, but the risk of mechanical impacts and alignment errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment area as an intermediary element between the mounting box and the alignment device. This alignment area acts as a mediator that guides the alignment device during the connection process, enabling automated operation while maintaining reliable alignment through the physical guidance provided by the extended surface.
2Device complexity
If connectors are mounted directly on the trailer front, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into two functional parts: the mounting box containing the connectors and the alignment area providing guidance. This segmentation allows the connectors to be mounted directly on the trailer front (maintaining simplicity) while the separately extended alignment area provides the necessary alignment guidance (improving ease of operation).
3Ease of operation
If the alignment area is extended along the length of the mounting box, then alignment ease is improved, but the risk of collision with trailer components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the alignment area in the height direction above or below the connection section rather than extending it horizontally where it could collide with trailer components. This dimensional repositioning maintains the alignment guidance function while avoiding the collision risk associated with horizontal extension.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting box is for being mounted on a trailer front. The mounting box extends along a width, a height and a length and is limited by a front surface including a flat or curved alignment area. The alignment area extends in the length of the mounting box and measures at least 1 m, at least 1.5 m or at least 2 m in a length direction defined by the length of the mounting box. The mounting box includes a connection section, wherein the connection section includes a plurality of box connectors fixedly mounted on the mounting box for providing an electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic connection with corresponding truck connectors. The connection section is arranged above or below the alignment area in a height direction defined by the height of the mounting box, so that the alignment area provides a continuous surface which is uninterrupted by the box connectors.