Autonomous Trailer Release and Escape Maneuver for Vehicle Fires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in responding effectively to tractor trailer fires, which can be hazardous and costly, as they lack the ability to autonomously disconnect trailers and maneuver away from the fire to prevent further damage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with a locking mechanism that removably secures to a trailer, equipped with sensors and processors to detect fire conditions, automatically unlocks the mechanism to disconnect the trailer, and initiates safe driving away from the fire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver manually releases the trailer from the tractor to escape fire danger, then the driver's safety is improved, but the response time is delayed due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the tractor to automatically detect fire conditions through sensors, unlock the fifth wheel locking mechanism, and drive away from the trailer without human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the time delay associated with manual driver action while ensuring driver safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured with an actuator that can be remotely or automatically actuated to release the trailer. The system prepares the release mechanism in advance so that when fire is detected, the trailer can be quickly disconnected without requiring manual intervention, thus reducing response time while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If the tractor moves away from the burning trailer, then damage to the tractor is minimized, but the brakes may lock up due to air hose damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system anticipates the potential brake lockup issue by carefully controlling the separation distance. The tractor is programmed to move only far enough to clear the fire hazard while staying within the range where air pressure remains sufficient for brake operation. This pre-planned distance control cushions against the harmful effect of brake lockup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors air pressure levels in the brake system during the separation maneuver. If air pressure drops below a safe threshold indicating hose damage, the system provides feedback to adjust the separation distance or alert the driver, preventing complete brake failure while still achieving fire separation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a vehicle includes a locking mechanism that is configured to removably secure to a trailer. A memory may store instructions, and one or more processors may be configured to access the memory and execute the instructions to: receive at least one signal used to determine that a potential fire condition is present on at least one of the trailer or the vehicle, and in response to the at least one signal, automatically initiate unlocking the locking mechanism to disconnect the trailer, and initiate driving a distance away from the trailer.