Tugger Train Trailer Emergency Signal Cable Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tugger trains lack reliable and safe mechanisms for transmitting emergency signals from trailers to the tractor, particularly during automated operations, which can lead to safety risks when people are in the vicinity of the trailers.
Innovation Solution
A trailer with a towing device and a signal connection using two cables that can be connected to both the vehicle and the trailer, where an emergency signal is generated by interrupting at least one cable, allowing for detection of interruptions and triggering an emergency shutdown in the tractor, ensuring safe operation by preventing the tugger train from starting if the lines are not properly connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acoustic signals and visual markings are used to warn people, then people are made aware of dangers, but people in the danger area are not detected and protection relies on them leaving independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive acoustic and visual warning systems with an active electrical signal transmission system. Emergency signal generators connected via cable connections to the tractor create an electrical circuit that automatically transmits emergency signals, eliminating reliance on human response to acoustic/visual warnings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic emergency detection and signal transmission without requiring human intervention. The emergency signal generators and cable connection system automatically detect emergencies and transmit signals to the tractor, making the safety system self-acting.
2Reliability
If complex sensor systems are used to detect people, then people in danger areas can be detected, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex sensor systems and implements it through simple emergency signal generators that detect emergencies and transmit signals via cable connections, eliminating the need for sophisticated sensor arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, inexpensive emergency signal generators and cable connections rather than expensive, complex sensor systems. The emergency switches and cable-based signal transmission provide reliable people detection capability at low cost.
3Reliability
If multiple cable connections are used for signal transmission, then reliable emergency signal transmission is achieved, but the setup complexity and potential connection errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal transmission functions into a single integrated cable connection system. The cable connection serves both as power supply and signal transmission medium, eliminating the need for separate signal wires and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable connection between trailer and tractor serves multiple functions: power supply, signal transmission, and emergency signal transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate connections needed and simplifies the overall system assembly.
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
This solution provides a reliable and safe method for transmitting emergency signals, preventing accidents by ensuring the tugger train does not move if people are in the danger area, and simplifies the setup by using a single insulated wire, reducing the risk of injuries during loading and unloading operations.
Implementation Method 1
a signal connection for transmitting an emergency signal from an emergency signal generator of the trailer to a tractor of the tugger train
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
In the case of 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 an emergency signal from an emergency signal transmitter (12) of the trailer to a tractor (3) of the tugger train (1), the signal connection consists of two lines routed through the trailer (2) in such a way that they can be connected to the preceding vehicle and any attached trailer (2) and the emergency signal is generated by interrupting at least one line.