Emergency Trailer Release Device Cab Controller Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer release devices lack a mechanism allowing drivers to safely and easily disconnect a trailer from a towing truck during emergency situations, such as rollover or jackknifing, using a controller within the cab.
Innovation Solution
An actuating module mounted to the fifth wheel and a controller within the towing truck's cab, which engages an electrical circuit to selectively open locks, using a linear actuator to release the king pin and disconnect the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual release mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the driver cannot quickly disconnect the trailer from the cab during emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
An electrical release mechanism serves as an intermediary between the driver's control input and the mechanical lock system. The driver operates a controller in the cab that sends an electrical signal to actuate the release mechanism, which then disengages the locks. This intermediary system allows remote operation from the cab while managing the complexity through standardized electrical-mechanical interfaces.
2Loss of time
If the release mechanism is located at the fifth wheel, then the ease of operation is improved for manual release, but the loss of time increases because the driver must physically reach the fifth wheel during emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical release system is replaced with an electrical actuation system. Instead of requiring the driver to manually manipulate mechanical components at the fifth wheel, an electrical controller mounted in the cab activates an actuating mechanism that automatically disengages the locks. This substitution eliminates the time loss from physical travel to the fifth wheel while maintaining operational capability through electrical-mechanical conversion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a controller is added to the cab for remote release, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional electrical circuits and components
Solution Approach 1:
The controller system is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides emergency release capability, normal operational release capability, and integrates with the existing truck electrical system. By making the release system universal and multi-functional, the added complexity is justified through enhanced adaptability and versatility, allowing the same system to handle various release scenarios without requiring separate mechanisms.
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
Enables drivers to quickly and safely disconnect trailers in emergency situations, preventing potential accidents by allowing separation of the trailer from the towing truck.
Implementation Method 1
using a linear actuator to release the king pin and disconnect the trailer
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency trailer release device for separating a trailer from a towing truck during an emergency situation includes an actuating module and a controller, which are mountable to a fifth wheel and within a cab of the towing truck, respectively. The actuating module is operationally engaged to and can selectively open a set of locks so that a king pin engaging the trailer to the fifth wheel is released. The controller is operationally engaged to the actuating module and can be engaged an electrical circuit of the towing truck. The controller can be selectively actuated by a driver of the towing truck in an emergency situation to signal the actuating module to open the set of locks to disengage the trailer from the towing truck, for example, when the driver believes the towing truck, the trailer, or both, are in danger of rolling over.