Trailer hookup breakaway mitigation systems and methods
US11919343B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 2023 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/72
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A breakaway mitigation system is provided for addressing breakaway between a tractor and a trailer unit of a truck. The breakaway mitigation system can include a spool assembly, a sensor, and a controller. The spool assembly has a spool body configured to deploy a length of a tether coupled with the spool body and configured to couple with an energy source supply conduit and to retract the length of the tether. The energy source supply conduit is configured to convey a source of energy for use by a motor or by a fuel cell. The sensor is configured to detect the length of the tether that has been deployed. The controller is configured to receive an input corresponding to the detected length and to implement a countermeasure when the detected amount exceeds a threshold value. Mitigation can be provided by a coupler that decouples under a load over a threshold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.