Wireless Boom Arm Alarm System for Trailer Saddle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boom arm alarm systems for vehicles are inadequate, often employing complex wiring harnesses that are easily bypassed or disengaged, leading to failure in confirming the proper stowage of boom arms before vehicle movement, which can result in damage to the vehicle and associated property.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a proximity sensor and processor that wirelessly communicates with a boom arm alarm assembly in the vehicle cab, using a proximity sensor to detect the boom arm's position within the saddle and alert the operator through audio and visual signals if it is not stowed, and inhibiting engine operation if the boom arm is not properly secured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional alarm systems with complex wiring harnesses are used, then the alarm function is provided, but the system becomes easy to bypass or disengage and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electrical wiring-based alarm systems with a wireless communication system. The sensor assembly and alarm assembly communicate via wireless signals, eliminating the need for complex wiring harnesses and manual configurations, thereby improving reliability while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary between the sensor assembly and alarm assembly. This wireless communication channel acts as a mediator that transmits boom arm position data without requiring physical wiring connections, making the system harder to bypass while simplifying installation.
2Ease of operation
If manual alarm configurations are used, then the alarm can be set up, but the system is frequently disengaged or bypassed by operators
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly automatically detects boom arm position and transmits this information wirelessly to the alarm assembly without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously monitoring and alarming, eliminating operator opportunities to disengage or bypass the alarm while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through wireless communication between the sensor and alarm assemblies. The alarm assembly receives real-time position data and automatically activates warnings when the boom arm is improperly stowed, creating a reliable closed-loop system that cannot be easily bypassed while remaining simple to operate.
3Productivity
If operators manually confirm boom arm stowage, then the process is simple, but operators fail to confirm proper stowage leading to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly continuously monitors boom arm position in advance before vehicle movement occurs. The wireless alarm system provides preliminary warning to operators about improper stowage conditions before they attempt to move the vehicle, preventing damage while maintaining operational efficiency through automated monitoring rather than manual checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to operators about boom arm stowage status through wireless communication. The alarm assembly immediately notifies operators if the boom arm is not properly stowed, eliminating reliance on operator memory or attention while maintaining quick response times and preventing vehicle damage without slowing down operations.
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
Ensures the boom arm is securely stowed before vehicle movement, preventing damage and enhancing operational safety by providing a reliable and user-friendly alarm system that is less prone to bypassing.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor assembly with a proximity sensor and processor that wirelessly communicates with a boom arm alarm assembly in the vehicle cab, using a proximity sensor to detect the boom arm's position within the saddle
Data Source
AI summary
A boom arm sensor assembly is provided. The boom arm sensor assembly includes a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor detects whether a boom arm for a trailer is positioned within a saddle on the trailer. The boom arm sensor assembly also includes a transmitter that transmits a signal at least when the boom arm is not detected in the saddle to a boom arm alarm assembly, which also is provided. The boom arm alarm assembly provides an alarm to a vehicle driver that the boom arm is not positioned within the saddle.