Ep 8. Runaway Trailer

In Smash Lab season 1 episode 8, titled "Runaway Trailer," the team of inventors and engineers take on the challenge of designing a solution to prevent deadly crashes caused by runaway trailers. This is a particularly challenging problem, as traditional methods such as chains or emergency brakes are often ineffective and can cause even more damage in certain situations.

To start off, the team analyzes real-world crash footage and investigates the various factors that contribute to the severity of these accidents, including speed, weight, and momentum. They also conduct experiments with a smaller-scale model to test out potential solutions.

One idea they come up with involves using a series of ramps that would be installed along highways to help slow down runaway trailers. The team builds a prototype and tests it using a remotely controlled trailer, but quickly realizes that it is not a viable solution due to the high costs of installation and maintenance, as well as potential safety concerns.

Another concept involves creating an electromagnetic field that would activate when a runaway trailer gets too close, effectively slowing it down and allowing other drivers to avoid collision. The team conducts several tests, but ultimately concludes that this idea would not be practical due to its potential interference with other electronic devices and the fact that it would require extensive infrastructure.

The team then turns to a more unconventional solution: creating a giant inflatable barrier that would be placed alongside highways and would be large enough to stop a runaway trailer in its tracks. They work with a company that specializes in inflatable structures to design and build a prototype, and conduct several tests to see how well it holds up against different weights and speeds.

Throughout the episode, the team faces several setbacks and challenges, including unexpected rain during testing and difficulties in finding a suitable location for their experiments. However, they persevere and ultimately come up with a solution that they believe could make a significant difference in preventing deadly accidents caused by runaway trailers.

Overall, "Runaway Trailer" is a fascinating episode that showcases the ingenuity and problem-solving skills of the Smash Lab team. Despite the complexity of the challenge at hand, they remain committed to finding a solution that could save lives and make our roads safer for everyone.