Fifth-Wheel Sensor Mount for Stable Articulation Angle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for determining the articulation angle between a utility vehicle and a trailer are limited by stability concerns when retrofitted, and they often provide inaccurate measurements due to soiling or restricted measuring ranges, especially in fifth-wheel couplings.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a rotatable wheel and rotary encoder, mounted on a sprung-bearing mechanism that can be retrofitted without reducing stability, allowing contact with the trailer's baseplate for accurate relative movement detection, and includes a positioning mechanism to adjust between operating and rest positions to avoid damage during coupling and uncoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a roller sensor is integrated into an opening of a fifth wheel, then direct articulation angle measurement is enabled, but stability of the fifth wheel is reduced and additional reinforcement is required
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor carrier serves as an intermediary component between the fifth wheel and the roller sensor. The sensor carrier is attached to the fifth wheel and provides a mounting surface for the roller sensor, allowing the sensor to be positioned without creating an opening in the fifth wheel itself, thus maintaining structural stability while enabling measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the sensor mounting from the plane of the fifth wheel opening to a three-dimensional arrangement where the sensor carrier can be positioned at an offset location. This allows the roller sensor to contact the trailer baseplate while the sensor carrier remains attached to the fifth wheel structure without compromising its integrity
2Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged in direct contact with the vehicle trailer through a wheel, then relative movement can be measured, but the sensors can be used only in a specific measuring range of the articulation angle
Solution Approach 1:
The roller sensor is designed to remain in continuous contact with the trailer baseplate throughout the articulation movement. The sensor carrier allows the roller to dynamically adapt to different articulation angles, maintaining measurement capability across the full range of motion rather than being limited to a specific angle range
3Measurement precision
If a fifth wheel is modified to include an opening for sensor integration, then articulation angle measurement is possible, but retrofitting of existing trailer couplings cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mounting system is segmented into separate components: the sensor carrier is a distinct element that can be attached to the existing fifth wheel, while the roller sensor is a separate component mounted on the carrier. This modular approach allows retrofitting of existing trailer couplings without requiring modifications to the fifth wheel structure itself
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
The sensor system provides reliable and stable measurement of articulation angles without reducing the stability of the trailer coupling, enabling accurate detection of relative movement and preventing damage during trailer operations.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning mechanism (92) at least configured to provide sprung bearing of the movable part (76) in an operating position
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system, for determining an angular change between a utility vehicle and a coupled vehicle trailer, includes a sensor unit having a wheel mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis, and a rotary encoder connected to the wheel and configured to detect a change in position of the wheel. The sensor system further includes a mount having at least one first fixed part configured to connect the sensor system to the utility vehicle or a part thereof, and at least one movable part connected to the sensor unit and mounted so as to be movable on the fixed part. In addition, the sensor system includes a positioning mechanism configured to provide sprung bearing of the movable part in an operating position such that the wheel of the sensor unit can be moved into contact with a vehicle trailer or a part of the vehicle trailer.