Fifth Wheel Lock Sensing With Brake Interlock for Trailer Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to prevent damage to tractors and trailers due to improper connections between the tractor's fifth wheel and the trailer's kingpin, leading to potential dropping of the trailer.
Innovation Solution
A safety system that includes a controller, brake system, lock sensor, and override switches to ensure the tractor remains stationary until a proper connection is established between the fifth wheel and kingpin, using brake engagement to prevent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fifth wheel lock indicator light system is used to indicate proper locking, then the connection status can be monitored, but the system cannot prevent movement or damage when connection is improper
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is engaged before the fifth wheel lock is activated, creating a preliminary restraining force that prevents the tractor from moving forward. This preliminary anti-action ensures that even if the lock fails or is improperly engaged, the tractor cannot move and cause damage. The system applies the brake as a preventive measure before the actual locking action occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller engages the brake system in advance of the fifth wheel locking operation. By activating the brake before the lock sensor confirms proper engagement, the system prepares the tractor in a safe state before the critical connection is made. This preliminary action sequence ensures safety is established before the coupling is fully secured.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the brake system is engaged to prevent movement, then damage is prevented, but the tractor cannot move until proper connection is confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
The lock sensor provides continuous feedback to the controller about the fifth wheel lock status. The controller monitors this feedback signal and only disengages the brake system when the sensor confirms proper locking engagement. This feedback mechanism automatically manages the brake engagement/disengagement based on real-time connection status, eliminating the need for manual operator judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the brake engagement and disengagement without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The controller self-regulates the brake system based on the lock sensor feedback, automatically transitioning from a restricted state to a free-moving state once proper connection is confirmed. This self-service operation simplifies the operator's task while maintaining safety.
3Reliability
If the system automatically engages brake based on lock sensor, then safety is improved, but additional control components and complexity are added
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors the lock sensor signal, determines brake engagement status, activates the brake system when needed, and disengages the brake when proper locking is confirmed. By making the controller a multi-functional component that handles sensing, decision-making, and actuation, the system avoids adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety control.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety system for a towing vehicle and a towed object including a towing vehicle coupling, a towed vehicle connection point that is engageable with the towing vehicle coupling, a coupling lock that is movable between a locked and unlocked positions, a lock sensor that is operative to detect whether the coupling lock is in the locked or unlocked position, a brake system that is moveable between a brake system engaged position and a brake system disengaged position, a controller, wherein the controller is in operative connection with the lock sensor and the brake system, and wherein the controller is operative to receive signals from the lock sensor, wherein in response to a signal from the lock sensor indicating the coupling lock is in the locked position, the controller is operative to enable the brake system to be in the disengaged position through manipulation of manual parking brake valve.