Trailer Safety Assembly Jack-Knife Prevention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer safety systems fail to effectively prevent trailer jack-knifing, which can lead to loss of control during towing, especially in conditions of reduced traction.
Innovation Solution
An actuator coupled to the trailer, positioned near the king pin, is used to selectively engage the fifth wheel, restricting undesirable trailer motion by extending a pin to limit lateral rotation when jack-knifing is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing trailer safety systems are used, then basic trailer support is provided, but they fail to effectively prevent trailer jack-knifing
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system is segmented into distinct functional components: an actuator mechanism with extending pin, a detection system for jack-knife conditions, and a coupling assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability for jack-knife prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator and pin are positioned and ready in advance near the king pin, but remain inactive until jack-knife conditions are detected. The system performs preliminary positioning of the restraint mechanism without continuously engaging it, providing immediate prevention capability when needed while maintaining normal towing operation.
2Ease of operation
If the pin is extended to restrict lateral rotation, then control is maintained during jack-knife conditions, but the trailer motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pin restraint mechanism is dynamic rather than static - it extends to restrict lateral rotation only when jack-knife conditions are detected, and can be retracted when not needed. This allows the system to adapt between providing full rotational freedom during normal operation and providing restrictive control during dangerous conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates detection of jack-knife conditions that provides feedback to control the actuator. When lateral rotation exceeds safe thresholds, the detection system triggers the actuator to extend the pin and restrict further rotation, creating a feedback loop that maintains driver control while preventing dangerous jack-knifing.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer safety assembly for preventing the trailer from jack-knifing includes an actuator coupled to the trailer. The actuator is positioned proximate a king pin on the trailer. A pin is operationally coupled to said actuator. The pin selectively engages a fifth wheel on a vehicle if the trailer begins to jack-knife. An undesired motion of the trailer is restricted.