Automatic Alignment for Heavy Load Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic alignment systems for Lowbed, Low Loader, and modular vehicles with hydro-mechanical steering systems are limited in their ability to perform alignment at all angles, particularly exceeding ±35°, and are costly, complex, and prone to environmental disruptions, with semi-automatic systems only functioning when the tractor and trailer are straight.
Innovation Solution
An automatic alignment system utilizing a mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical method to transfer the steering motion of the tractor to the axle area, incorporating a mechanical guide with connection wires, inductive sensors, and a servo motor, which allows alignment at any angle by respecting the Ackerman Principle and using digital signal output and inductive sensors for accurate and consistent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If full automatic alignment system with electronic controller unit and analog angle sensors is used, then alignment automation is achieved, but system cost increases and reliability decreases due to sensitivity to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic controller units and analog angle sensors with a mechanical guide system that uses pure mechanical components (guide pin, connection wires, brackets) to transfer steering motion. This mechanical substitution eliminates electronic components vulnerable to environmental factors while maintaining automatic alignment functionality through mechanical motion transfer from the fifth wheel to the steering axle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a hydraulic system with cylinders connected to the mechanical guide at the steering axle. The hydraulic cylinders receive motion signals from the mechanical guide and translate them into wheel steering adjustments. This hydraulic transmission provides reliable, environment-resistant actuation while maintaining the automatic alignment function established by the mechanical guide system.
2Manufacturing precision
If full automatic alignment system with non-linear transfer function is used, then alignment is achieved within ±35° angle range, but alignment capability is lost at angles exceeding ±35°
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mechanical guide system that adaptively transfers motion based on the current steering angle. The connection wires and guide pins automatically adjust their geometry and leverage ratios as the fifth wheel rotates, allowing the system to maintain alignment accuracy across the full range of motion without relying on non-linear electronic transfer functions. The mechanical system inherently adapts to different angles through its geometric configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If semi automatic alignment system with inductive sensors and lamps is used, then cost is reduced, but alignment only functions when tractor and trailer are straight (0° angle)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a mechanical guide system that continuously and passively transfers the fifth wheel's rotational position to the steering axle throughout the entire range of motion. This preliminary mechanical action ensures that alignment guidance is available at all angles before any active control is needed, eliminating the limitation of semi-automatic systems that only function at 0° angle. The mechanical guide prepares the system in advance for alignment at any angle.
4Manufacturing precision
If electronic controller unit with closed loop control is used, then alignment accuracy and consistency are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-servicing mechanical guide system where the connection wires, guide pins, and brackets automatically maintain proper geometric relationships and transfer motion without requiring external control systems. The mechanical system self-regulates the alignment process through its inherent geometry, eliminating the need for complex electronic controllers while maintaining consistent accuracy. The system serves itself through pure mechanical advantage and geometric constraints.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and consistent automatic alignment at any angle between the tractor and trailer, reduces material costs, simplifies setup and diagnostics, and is more resilient to outdoor environmental conditions compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
there is an angle sensor (potentiometer) on the fifth wheel calculating the angle between the tractor and trailer. Likewise, there is an angle sensor (potentiometer) on steering hub in order to calculate the angles of trailer wheels
Implementation Method 2
This performs this in all steering angles of the tractor by means of hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 3
the wheels are turned left or right by means of electro-hydraulic pump according to the value calculated with this calculation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention is an automatic alignment setup that is able to perform automatic alignment at any angle between tractor and trailers used in heavy load transportation and that has at least one fifth wheel (1.2) and a gooseneck (1.3.1) with at least two connection points set up on this fifth wheel (1.2), and it is characterized in that; it incorporates a mechanical effect system (4) with connection wires (4.5) secured at at least two points between the said fifth wheel (1.2) and steering hub (18).