Fifth Wheel Coupling Camera Mount With Retractable Kingpin Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object recognition devices for towing vehicles, such as cameras, are at risk of damage due to their proximity to the trailer's coupling device, which increases the likelihood of collision and interference during the coupling process.
Innovation Solution
A movable mounting system for the object recognition device, such as a camera, that allows it to retract from the path of the trailer's coupling device, using spring elements, levers, or actuators, ensuring it remains functional and protected during the coupling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera is mounted close to the vehicle's longitudinal axis on the coupling plate, then the image quality and maneuvering precision are improved, but the risk of damage from collision with kingpin or coupling components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is mounted on a movable mounting device that allows it to change its position dynamically. During coupling operations, the camera can be retracted from its extended position (where it provides high-quality imaging) to a retracted position (where it is protected from collision with the kingpin and coupling components). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the camera to occupy the optimal imaging position only when needed and move to a safe position when collision risk is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable mounting device acts as an intermediary between the camera and the coupling plate. It provides a mechanism (such as a spring-loaded or actuated mounting structure) that allows the camera to be positioned close to the longitudinal axis for imaging while simultaneously protecting it from direct contact with the kingpin and coupling components during their movement. The mounting device mediates the conflict between imaging requirements and collision avoidance.
2Ease of operation
If the camera is mounted on the coupling plate to provide real-time imaging during coupling, then the maneuvering assistance is improved, but the camera is exposed to damage from moving coupling components
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting device enables the camera to dynamically adjust its position between an extended operational position (providing maneuvering assistance during coupling) and a retracted protected position (ensuring camera reliability). The camera can be extended when coupling operations are being performed to provide real-time imaging, and retracted when the coupling components are in motion and may pose a collision risk, thus maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable mounting device incorporates protective mechanisms (such as spring elements or dampers) that cushion the camera against potential collisions with coupling components. This beforehand cushioning protects the camera from damage while still allowing it to be positioned for optimal imaging during coupling operations, thereby maintaining both maneuvering assistance and camera reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the camera is positioned to capture the rear traffic area including the trailer, then the coupling precision is improved, but the camera is more likely to be in the area of influence of the trailer's coupling device
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is mounted on a movable device that allows it to be positioned in an extended location optimized for capturing the rear traffic area and trailer during coupling operations, providing high coupling precision. When the trailer's coupling device moves into the area of influence, the camera can be retracted to a safe position, reducing exposure to harmful factors while maintaining the ability to achieve precise coupling when needed.
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 movable mounting system effectively protects the object recognition device from damage while maintaining its functionality by retracting it from the path of the trailer's coupling device, ensuring precise maneuvering and reducing potential interference.
Implementation Method 1
the object detection device (10) is movably mounted in the coupling body (30) by means of a spring element (20) along an effective axis (21)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A coupling device for a towing vehicle with an object detection means (10) attached thereto is described, wherein the coupling device comprises a coupling body (30) in the form of a fifth wheel coupling plate (40) and a locking mechanism (31) by which a coupling means (50) in the form of a kingpin (51) arranged on a trailer vehicle is detachably held in its end position (E) on the coupling body (30), and the coupling body (30) has a free installation space (33) extending in a longitudinal axis (x) and bounded by a coupling means insertion contour (32), into which the coupling means (50) is at least partially immersed during coupling until it reaches its end position (E). The invention was based on the objective of arranging an object detection means (10) as close as possible to the longitudinal axis (x) of the towing vehicle with a low risk of damage.The task is solved by the object recognition means (10) being movably mounted in the coupling means insertion contour (32) between a functional position (11) projecting into the free installation space (33) and an escape position (12) recessed in the coupling means insertion contour (32).