We have designed a system to quickly restore alignment of a sideward-skidding semi-truck tractor with its trajactory. The controling-components are contained in a module mounted on the steering column. The system activates brake-releasing valves in the front-brake lines if the tractor is skidding sideward and is steered in the direction of skid. This action allows the front wheels to roll freely if and when they are aimed in the alignment-restoring direction -- this being the drivers instinctive response to sideward skidding. The brakes respond to the brake peddle normally when sideward skidding stops or steering ceases to be in the direction of skid.
The control module is equipped with a steering-direction sensor, a lateral-acceleration sensor and a relay. The sensors pass current from the brake-light circuit to the relay trigger when inertia and steering are both rightward or when inertia and steering are both leftward. The relay when so triggered passes current from the key-on circuit to both effector valves (left front and right front). The activated valves block their respective brake hoses and deflate respective front-brake chambers.
We welcome inquiries from possible manufacturers at:
Ingrid Regen: ingrid@dimp.com
Sam Regen: bogus_id@comcast.net
Brian Hoffman: brian.hoffman.123@gmail.com
Interested parties may download our 3-d printer files shown below.
In addition to the printable plastic parts, a module contains four 10-mm cylindrical neodymium magnets oriented in the same direction, one 10-mm spherical neodymium magnet, two 4-mm diameter mercury tilt sensors, two 60-mm-long spirit levels, one 1-inch square (cubic) relay HDR185, four 3-inch long 3/32-inch diameter copper-rods curved to a 60-mm diameter arc, four 2.5-inch 1/4-inch bolts, one 1-inch 1/4-inch bolt, nine 1/4-inch friction nuts, two hose clamps, a few dabs of glue.