Annular Connector Assembly for Fifth Wheel Couplings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fifth-wheel coupling systems for larger motor vehicles are inefficient and prone to damage due to the sensitivity of connections to dirt and the insufficient space for compressed air lines, particularly in heavy semi-trailers with high air flow rates and short response times required for modern brake systems.
Innovation Solution
A kingpin design with a plug connection arrangement featuring annularly arranged electrical and pneumatic/hydraulic lines, where the largest line has an outer diameter greater than 50% of the kingpin diameter, with a separating jacket or discharge channel between the supply air and brake air lines to prevent overflow and ensure sufficient space for pneumatic lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the annular cylinder space is used for compressed air connections, then electrical and pneumatic connections can be integrated, but the space is insufficient for the compressed air required by larger and heavier articulated lorries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional annular arrangement to a three-dimensional radial arrangement by extending the connection structure outward from the kingpin axis. Multiple pneumatic lines are arranged radially in different planes, utilizing the vertical and radial dimensions to provide sufficient space for compressed air flow while maintaining compact integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible lines are used for individual plugging connections, then mobility of the articulated lorry is maintained, but the connections are costly and time-consuming for the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connection functions (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic) into a single integrated connector assembly that couples and uncouples as one unit. This merging eliminates the need for individual plugging operations, significantly reducing coupling time while maintaining the flexibility needed for articulated lorry mobility.
3Reliability
If the connection arrangement is arranged in the kingpin, then connections are protected from damage, but the arrangement is extremely sensitive to damage and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection arrangement from the kingpin and relocates it to the fifth wheel coupling plate on the towing vehicle. This separation removes the connections from the contaminated kingpin environment while maintaining protected housing, reducing sensitivity to dirt and damage from the semi-trailer side.
4Quantity of substance
If the largest cable has an outer diameter greater than 50% of the kingpin diameter, then sufficient space is available for pneumatic lines, but the installation space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where smaller pneumatic lines and electrical connections are arranged concentrically around the largest pneumatic line within the kingpin bore. This nesting allows multiple connections to share the limited radial space while maintaining adequate diameter for high air flow rates in the primary supply line.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The arrangement (1) has a plug-in connector upper part arranged at a coupling pin (10) of a semi-trailer, and a plug-in connector lower part arranged in a fifth-wheel plate of a tractive unit. The parts comprise lines such as a data line (3), a power supply line (4), brake air pipe (6), a discharge canal (7), a reservoir air pipe (8), which are plug-connected together. The lines are formed as sockets, which are annularly arranged. The pipes (6, 8) comprise an external diameter that is 50 percentage larger than coupling pin diameter measured at a least diameter.