One variation of a system includes a kingpin including: a head; a base coupled to a proximal end of the trailer; a shank interposed between the head and the base; a first sensor configured to output signals representing lateral forces applied to the kingpin; and a second sensor configured to output signals representing longitudinal forces applied to the kingpin. The system further includes a controller configured to: access a first signal from the first sensor representing a lateral force applied to the kingpin; access a second signal from the second sensor representing a longitudinal force applied to the kingpin; calculate a direction and a magnitude of a force applied to the kingpin based on the first and second signals; and trigger a motor arranged on a distal end of the trailer to output a torque in the direction of the force and proportional to the magnitude of the force.

One variation of a system includes a kingpin: arranged on a proximal end of the trailer; includes a sensor configured to output a signal representing lateral forces and longitudinal forces applied to the kingpin; and configured to couple to a tow vehicle. The system further includes an interface including a joystick and a kingpin interface configured to transfer forces, applied to the joystick, into the kingpin. The system also includes a controller configured to: access the signal from the sensor; based on the signal, calculate a magnitude of a force applied to the kingpin; calculate a first target speed of a first wheel of the trailer proportional to the magnitude; calculate a second target speed of a second wheel of the trailer proportional to the magnitude; and serve the first target speed and the second target speed to a drive system arranged on a distal end of the trailer.

One variation of a method includes, during a first time period: detecting a direction of motion of a trailer; detecting a first force applied to a kingpin; detecting an incline angle of the trailer; calculating a first target preload force opposite the direction of motion and inversely proportional to the incline angle; and in response to the first force falling below the first target preload force, triggering a motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion. The method further includes, during a second time period: detecting a second force applied to the kingpin; detecting a decline angle of the trailer; calculating a second target preload force opposite the direction of motion and inversely proportional to the decline angle; and in response to the second force falling below the second target preload force, triggering the motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion.

This invention provides a system and method for reliably interconnecting a native gladhand on a trailer with an AV truck, in which the gladhand can vary in placement and type on the trailer front. A visually guided robot manipulator arm accesses the trailer front. The arm includes an end effector assembly that is arranged to visually navigate to the gladhand and engage the gladhand by latching onto a gladhand using a connection tool that includes a hinged gladhand/wedge capture assembly and a pressurized clamping connection plate that selectively engages the trailer gladhand seal. The capture assembly is arranged to accommodate different gladhand geometries in latching thereonto. The connection tool includes a hinge that is spring-loaded in both a locked and unlocked bistable state, and sensors monitor the state. The system can include passive or active compliance elements that accommodate moderate misalignment between the engaged gladhand and the robotic arm/connection tool.

A parked freight trailer stabilizer and restraint comprising: (a) a kingpin receiver configured to lock onto a kingpin of a parked freight trailer; (b) a jack operatively coupled to the kingpin receiver, the jack repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position; (c) a tail hold operatively coupled to the kingpin receiver, the tail hold repositionable between a stowed position and a restraining position, the tail hold configured to engage a ground mount; and, (d) a transport receiver configured to engage a transport vehicle.

A trailer stabilizing device for stabilizing a parked freight trailer, the trailer stabilizing device comprising a frame separate from the support frame of the parked freight trailer, the stabilizing device frame having mounted thereto wheels and a hitch, the stabilizing device including a repositionable jack.

One variation of a method includes, during a first time period: detecting a direction of motion of a trailer; detecting a first force applied to a kingpin; detecting an incline angle of the trailer; calculating a first target preload force opposite the direction of motion and inversely proportional to the incline angle; and in response to the first force falling below the first target preload force, triggering a motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion. The method further includes, during a second time period: detecting a second force applied to the kingpin; detecting a decline angle of the trailer; calculating a second target preload force opposite the direction of motion and inversely proportional to the decline angle; and in response to the second force falling below the second target preload force, triggering the motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion.

A parked freight trailer stabilizer and restraint comprising: (a) a kingpin receiver configured to lock onto a kingpin of a parked freight trailer; (b) a jack operatively coupled to the kingpin receiver, the jack repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position; (c) a tail hold operatively coupled to the kingpin receiver, the tail hold repositionable between a stowed position and a restraining position, the tail hold configured to engage a ground mount; and, (d) a transport receiver configured to engage a transport vehicle.

A trailer stabilizing device for stabilizing a parked freight trailer, the trailer stabilizing device comprising a frame separate from the support frame of the parked freight trailer, the stabilizing device frame having mounted thereto wheels and a hitch, the stabilizing device including a repositionable jack.

A universal equipment trailer allows the trailer to connect to a variety of towing vehicles, whether the towing vehicle uses a standard trailer hitch or kingpin hitch. A hydraulic or pneumatic system on the trailer can raise or lower a coupling assembly to place one of two available connectors in position for linking to the vehicle hitch. Because the coupling assembly locks into position once raised or lowered, the connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer is secure. The parts for the universal equipment trailer may also be supplied as a kit, allowing conversion of standard trailers to universal equipment trailers.