Trailer Safety Strap for Tugger Train Gap Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tugger trains lack effective detection of people in danger areas between trailers during automated operation, relying on independent action from warning devices to ensure safety, which is inadequate for preventing accidents.
Innovation Solution
A trailer with a safety device featuring a strap or belt that detects obstacles, such as people, between the trailer and the preceding vehicle, triggering an emergency signal to prevent the tugger train from moving off, utilizing existing emergency shutdown mechanisms in the tractor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If warning devices (acoustic signal, speed limitation, visual marking) are used to alert people of danger areas, then people are made aware of the dangers, but people in the danger area are not actively detected and protection relies on their independent action to leave the area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical or radar detection systems with a simple mechanical strap-based detection system. The strap is stretched across the danger area between trailers, and any intrusion by a person or object mechanically triggers a sensor, generating an emergency signal to stop the tugger train. This mechanical substitution achieves reliable active detection while minimizing system complexity.
2Reliability
If a strap is stretched laterally along the space to detect obstacle intrusion, then active detection of people in danger areas is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible strap as the detection medium, which is stretched laterally across the danger area. This thin, flexible element can be easily positioned and adjusted, and when intruded upon, it triggers the detection mechanism. The use of a simple flexible strap instead of rigid or complex sensing structures maintains low device complexity while achieving reliable obstacle detection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the safety device triggers an emergency signal to stop the tugger train, then accident prevention is improved, but the loss of time for train operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device applies preliminary anti-action by stretching the detection strap across the danger area before the tugger train moves. This pre-positioned detection mechanism is ready to immediately trigger an emergency stop if any intrusion occurs, preventing accidents before they can happen. The system prioritizes safety intervention over continuous operation, accepting brief interruptions as necessary to prevent harmful outcomes.
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
Significantly reduces the risk of accidents by ensuring the tugger train stops or does not start if a person is in the danger area, enhancing safety and vehicle availability by using existing and cost-effective mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a safety device of the trailer for transmitting an emergency signal via the signal connection is provided to the tractor, wherein the safety device generates an emergency signal when an obstacle approaches the trailer from the front or when an obstacle penetrates from the side into a space between a preceding, towing vehicle and the trailer. The safety device comprises a strap stretched laterally along the space to a preceding, towing vehicle, which by stretching and/or pulling on an attachment point associated with the trailer detects the intrusion of an obstacle into the space
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
In a trailer for a tugger train (1) with a towing device (8), in particular a front drawbar (9) and a rear trailer coupling, as well as a signal connection for transmitting a signal to a tractor (3) of the tugger train (1), a safety device (12) of the trailer (2) is provided for transmitting an emergency signal via the signal connection to the tractor (3), wherein the safety device (12) generates an emergency signal when an obstacle approaches the trailer (2) from the front and/or when an obstacle penetrates laterally into a gap between a preceding towing vehicle and the trailer (2).