Feedback on an new system.

Hey everyone,

As a graduate project in Mechanical Engineering, my partners and I have been developing a new trailer control system for semi-trailers. I have little experience in the trucking industry, so I am looking to get some informal feedback on what truckers think of the proposed system. Unfortunately there is little specific I can put on the internet, but I'll tell you as much as I can.

The system involves creating automatic self-steering wheels for semi- trailers. These wheels will (by means I can't divulge) turn to follow the exact path taken by the cab. That means the truck no longer needs to turn wide, as the rear wheels will automatically "follow" the exact path the front of the truck takes. It would also allow this capability with multiple trailers, as many as is legal really. There are also many other related capabilities of the system which I may consider posting, if someone asks and I feel confident about posting it safely. (There are already patents in the works related to this).

Specifically I would get a feeling for just how much a system like this would benefit the average trucker, if at all. Would the benefits of opening up new routes and hauling multiple trailers, (among many other things), be worth the costs of the system to companies or individuals? I can't say how much it would cost, but we are implementing a lot of ideas to reduce the cost to something that is reasonable.

Thanks everyone!

 

I think the idea is good and if it actually worked as described, then it'll be an essential just like A/C or power steering. Not to be a party pooper but to get passed all the hurdles ( costly R&D, corporate + bureaucratic brick wall), I wouldn't hazard to guess if it'll be implemented in my life time.

On a side note - I saw a dump truck in Korea that was navigating through really tight spaces and saw something that I've never seen before. The truck had (2 ) axles steering (front and first rear drive axle) and it took turns which shorter (2) axle day cab wouldn't be able to do. Don't remember the make or model but I thought that'll be great for big trucks here in the US.

 

The two biggest concerns for a system like this would be weight, and cost (both the initial and maintenance costs). This would be great for LTL companies, moving companies and car haulers as spaces they go into can be tight.

Also, on a spread axle trailer it would really do a lot to reduce scrubbing.

 

Backing could get interesting lol.

 

I think it is a great idea conceptually. However, cost is a significant consideration. Trucking companies aren't free and easy with their money.

 

How would this system work in the event of a skid ???

Would the controls be locked to speed ??

Something to think about.

 

Thanks for all the quick suggestions guys!

Interesting about the pipe haulers, I knew Goldhofers could turn by remote control, and I had assumed pipe haulers used the same system, but I could very well be wrong.

As the system exists now, there are programs in place to correct for skidding and jacknifing, our initial tests show that these seem to work quite well. Backing up is currently one of the issues we are working on. Currently we are implementing a program to steer the rear trailer manually from the cab when in reverse, but we still need to do more testing before rendering conclusions on this process.

As far as controls go, the goal we have been working toward is designing the system in such a way so that is works completely in the background, the driver would have no interaction with it unless there is a problem. We had just assumed that would be best, but if opinion trends otherwise, we will modify the system as needed. There are many aspects of the system which are nearing initial completion, but as none of us are truckers we have left everything open to modification based on input we get from the field.

We do not plan to begin designing the user interface for the system until the fall, when perhaps we will be operating under a more corporate R&D system, but until then, the more input we can get the better.

 

Due to the lack of money, all R&D has been suspended on ANY good ideas within the trucking industry. Until the Federal Government, insurance companies...or California mandates these changes.

Flir System -- WONDERFUL idea....dead in the water.

APU -- Great Idea....barely treading water.

Remote Cameras -- On life Support

Aerodynamic Cabs and trailers.... On Life support

Automated-Guidance/steerage -- Dead in water seeking coffin to be buried.

Your idea will be the same. Cost will kill it, regardless of how good the idea is.

Exceptionally long loads now employ 2 drivers, one front, one back. The cost of that second driver is cheaper than an auto system. Even if the cost is spread out over 10 years. The maximum aged trailer MOST shippers will allow.

So you must cost ANY idea to a 10 year life-span. How much will this add to the yearly cost of a trailer?

Good Luck.

 

perhaps the question to ask is, what will this system save? Manueverabilty is great, but is isn't an item on the bottom line. Margins in trucking are slim to nonexistant, and this doesn't sound cheap or simple.