Vehicle Coupling Position Sensor with Integrated Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting and indicating the position of vehicle coupling components, such as fifth wheel couplings, require complex wiring and visual inspections, which are inefficient and prone to errors, especially under poor lighting conditions, and often rely on mechanical shutters that can be unreliable, especially with worn components.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with a combined sensor and display unit, powered by a self-contained voltage source, that emits optical or acoustic signals to indicate the locking status of a pin coupling, featuring inductive sensors and a mechanical switching element, allowing for easy visual confirmation without additional tools, and capable of evaluating energy supply and sensor signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex wiring systems with cables and control electronics are used for sensor signal transmission and power supply, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but installation effort and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based signal transmission system with a wireless communication system. Sensors transmit their signals wirelessly to the control unit, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining reliable signal transmission. This substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable communication without the complexity of extensive wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions including receiving sensor signals, evaluating them, controlling display elements, and managing power distribution. By integrating these functions into a single self-sufficient unit, the system reduces the need for separate components and complex interconnections, thereby reducing installation effort while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical shutter displays are used for indicating locking status, then visual indication is provided, but reliability decreases under poor lighting conditions and with worn components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit different colors (e.g., green for locked, red for unlocked) to indicate the locking status. This optical indication system is highly reliable under various lighting conditions compared to mechanical shutters, as the active light emission ensures visibility regardless of ambient light levels. The color change provides clear, unambiguous visual feedback that is not affected by component wear.
3Reliability
If drivers perform visual inspection of coupling components before journeys, then safety is improved, but time consumption increases and inspection reliability decreases without proper tools
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate visual feedback through display elements (LEDs) that automatically indicate the locking status of coupling components. This real-time feedback eliminates the need for manual visual inspection by the driver, as the system continuously monitors and displays the status. The feedback mechanism ensures safety without consuming the driver's time, resolving the contradiction between inspection reliability and time loss.
4Adaptability or versatility
If self-contained voltage sources are used in the control unit, then universal applicability and ease of installation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with a self-contained voltage source that can operate independently of external power connections. This makes the system universally applicable to various vehicle types and coupling configurations without requiring specific power supply infrastructure. The control unit can evaluate sensor signals, control displays, and manage power distribution internally, providing multi-functionality that enhances adaptability.
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
Facilitates a reliable and efficient visual inspection of coupling components, reducing installation effort and improving safety by eliminating complex wiring and providing a self-sufficient, easy-to-deploy solution that operates without external power sources, ensuring accurate locking status indication.
Implementation Method 1
featuring inductive sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A device (1, 1') for detecting and displaying the position of components of vehicle couplings, in particular fifth wheel couplings, is described. A combined sensor and display unit (2, 3) is arranged in a common housing (10), wherein the sensor unit (3) has at least one sensor (3a, b, c) and the display unit (2) has at least one display element (6, 7). The device (1, 1') can be arranged on the outside of a fifth wheel coupling or a sliding mechanism of a fifth wheel coupling adjacent to a manual actuation element of a locking or latching device.