Vehicle: Car: Trailer
Tractor-trailer explosive decoupler   (+2)  [vote for, against]
Necessary

When a large articulated vehicle crashes, its recovery is often greatly complicated by the joint between the tractor and the trailer, which can prove impossible to separate due to damage and distortion.

The answer is to install an explosive cutting mechanism in the trailer pivot.

Using a special external detonating kit, the joint can be quickly and safely severed without exposing personnel to any danger (by means of a long reel of wire).

The rig is almost instantaneously separated into two sections that can then be recovered as required.
-- 8th of 7, Dec 21 2017

I've been trying to figure out what the remediation method will be when they figure out that not only is this hazardous, but that .... Borate_20Bouncing_20Bettys
.... these lands could be turned in golf courses .... [normzone, Dec 21 2017]

I'm not so sure. I think I'd be amused several times.
-- MaxwellBuchanan, Dec 21 2017


That would depend entirely on the cargo in the trailer, and who was in the vehicle immediately behind.
-- 8th of 7, Dec 21 2017


//without exposing personnel to any danger//

[8th], I think you might need to change your password. It looks like an impostor has infiltrated your HB account.
-- Wrongfellow, Dec 21 2017


FAR too simple - if these devices were installed every five feet or so throughout the length of the trailer, removal of the small pieces could be accomplished by the people in pickup trucks stuck in the traffic jam who need this mess cleared so they can be on their way.
-- normzone, Dec 21 2017


// an impostor has infiltrated your HB account //

Shhh, we're trying to lull them into a false sense of security.

Volunteers for testing new BorgCo products are becoming increasingly difficut to recruit. Apparently, unfounded rumours have been circulating about "An abnormally high level of natural wastage".

It's disappointing that such high levels of physical coercion have become necessary to persuade volunteers to cooperate. After all, what's the worst that can happen ?
-- 8th of 7, Dec 21 2017


//throughout the length of the trailer//

Perhaps they should also be statically installed around any trees, lamp posts, buildings, small children etc which might conceivably one day impede a recovery operation?
-- Wrongfellow, Dec 21 2017


And cats. Definitely. Explosive collars for cats, to allow immediate safe dismantling should there be a vehicle accident nearby*.

*Within a 50km radius, but it could be extended if the technology proveds successful.
-- 8th of 7, Dec 21 2017


(" Perhaps they should also be statically installed around any trees")

Well, if you want to get statically preventive, see the link.
-- normzone, Dec 21 2017



random, halfbakery