Product Innovation Profile
The BACKINGBuddy™
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product summary
The BACKINGBuddy™ is a rugged, rechargeable tool designed to eliminate the hazards of docking in low-visibility conditions. It features a high-intensity white up-light to mark trailer pivot points and a laser plane generator that projects a guided "runway" along docking slots. Portable and built for the elements, it provides truckers, RV owners, and military personnel with a precise visual reference for safer, faster maneuvers during nighttime operations.
| is product currently selling? | No |
| market readiness | Prototypes ready |
| patent status | Utility issued |
| other protection | None |
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- contact info
seller objective
Open to discussing any type of agreement
product detail
The BACKINGBuddy™ is a patented, lightweight, portable docking guidance system engineered to eliminate the uncertainty of blind trailer docking during pitch black conditions. It combines a bright vectored white light with a green laser plane that projects a highly visible line from the pivot point to the dock wall, establishing a perimeter along the dock well driver side and up the side of the dock door. This dual-function system provides drivers with a consistent visual reference, allowing for precise maneuvering and immediate correction during trailer alignment drifting.
Designed for extreme durability, the unit features a rugged, moisture-proof, and corrosion-resistant ergonomic housing capable of withstanding run over events by a fully loaded tractor-trailer without significant deformation. It includes rechargeable batteries, a three-mode switch (vectored light only, laser light only, or both), and ease to replace lighting components for efficient maintenance. Its bright reflective exterior ensures visibility during daytime blind docking scenarios, making it a versatile solution across varying environments. Favorable field validation, as well as direct driver feedback gathered from the Mid America Truck Show further reinforce the product’s practical design and real-world functionality.
selling benefits
The BACKINGBuddy™ significantly improves safety and efficiency while boosting driver confidence by replacing guesswork with clear visual guidance at blind docks. It reduces the risk of costly accidents by providing immediate visual feedback when a trailer veers off course, allowing drivers to correct the alignment before a collision occurs. The system shortens docking time and lowers mental strain, particularly in high-pressure or low-visibility conditions, contributing to better driver wellbeing and productivity.
Its nearly indestructible construction ensures long-term repeatable and reliable usage in harsh yard environments, minimizing replacement costs and downtime. Strong positive feedback and market validation at the Mid-America Truck Show confirm that drivers recognize the need for, and value of, this tool.
Beyond freight applications, its adaptability extends to industries such as military transport, agriculture, aviation, and recreational vehicle use, expanding its market potential. Additionally, it offers an opportunity to reduce fixed dock lighting expenses by serving as a dock lighting alternative; delivering a practical and scalable solution that enhances safety while reducing liability and operational costs.
competing products
No competition exists.
sales activity
No sales activity to date.
Market validation efforts have been completed, with detailed survey data collected at the Mid-America Truck Show in 2019 and at a major truck stop in Boise, Idaho in 2020; full results are available upon request.
The product’s engineering foundation is well established, with detailed proprietary design concepts covering lens form, fit, and functionality to ensure consistent and reliable laser output. Supporting this, conceptual solutions for sealing, laser mounting, and alignment have already been developed.
Advanced 3D simulations using premier commercial engineering software confirm the integrity of the design. Dynamic drop simulations, from cab height to ground, indicate a strong resistance to impact; while stress simulations show that the housing can withstand up to 1.5 times the legal axle load limit with negligible overall housing deformation.
Mechanical testing is ready to proceed, with a qualified vendor identified, test schedules prepared, and housing CAD drawings. Integrity tests for sealing and laser alignment are also planned to follow load validation.
The optical system is in a strong pre-production position, with candidate materials and lens geometries selected, key laser output parameters defined, and a potential manufacturing partner identified. A utility patent for the lens system was secured in 2019 further strengthening the product’s intellectual property position.
Final design work remains focused on refining and integrating key components, including the lens system, laser and mounting assembly, vectored light and bezel, housing and ergonomic grip, protective coatings, sealing systems, electronics packaging, rechargeable power unit, and control switch.
pricing/cost info
| inventory in stock | Inventory has never been ordered |
| number of units | None |
| msrp | $$100 to $$150 |
| manuf. lead time | unknown |
| estimated cost/unit | $$45 to $$70 |
| minimum order quantity | 0 |
| location of warehouse |