Fifth Wheel Coupling Ball Socket for Off-Road Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fifth wheel couplings for semi-trailer combinations exhibit poor off-road mobility due to limited ability to navigate uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel coupling design that allows the semi-trailer and tractor unit to rotate relative to each other around vertical and horizontal axes, utilizing a coupling ball and ball socket mechanism for secure coupling and force transmission, along with a hold-down element for secure positioning, enabling predeterminable tilting and rotation, thus enhancing stability and mobility on uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fifth wheel coupling is used, then the semi-trailer combination can be coupled securely on flat terrain, but the off-road mobility and ability to navigate uneven terrain is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the fifth wheel plate movable relative to the tractor unit frame. The fifth wheel plate can tilt and rotate to adapt to uneven terrain while maintaining secure coupling. This is achieved through a mechanism that allows the fifth wheel plate to dynamically adjust its position and orientation, enabling the semi-trailer combination to navigate off-road conditions while preserving coupling reliability.
2Reliability
If the fifth wheel coupling is made rigid to ensure stable coupling, then the ability to rotate and tilt on uneven terrain is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the coupling system into multiple independent components: the tractor unit frame, the movable fifth wheel plate, and the semi-trailer coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the fifth wheel plate can tilt and rotate to adapt to terrain while the overall coupling maintains stability through the distributed mechanical connection points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling mechanism allows free rotation and tilting for off-road mobility, then excessive load may be placed on the coupling components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating load-distributing structural features in the fifth wheel plate and coupling mechanism. These features are designed to cushion and distribute the loads generated during rotation and tilting movements before they reach critical components. The mechanism includes built-in load paths and structural reinforcements that prevent excessive stress concentration, thereby protecting coupling components from damage while enabling off-road mobility.
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 design ensures reliable force transmission and increased stability, allowing the semi-trailer combination to operate effectively on uneven terrain without excessive load on the coupling, thereby improving off-road mobility and preventing accidents by ensuring secure coupling and tilting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the engagement element 3 comprises a coupling ball 31 which enables the semi-trailer tractor and the coupled semi-trailer to rotate relative to one another in a predeterminable manner and tilt relative to one another in a predeterminable manner
Implementation Method 2
forces, in particular tensile and cornering forces, can be reliably transmitted from the semi-trailer to the semi-trailer tractor - and in the opposite direction - by means of the fifth wheel coupling
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
On a fifth wheel coupling (1) for coupling a tractor to a semitrailer, comprising a fifth wheel plate (2) for installation on the tractor and an engagement element (3) for installation on the semitrailer, wherein the fifth wheel plate (2) is designed to receive the engagement element (3), it is proposed to design the engagement element (3) to comprise a coupling ball (31) in order to increase the cross-country mobility of a team formed by the tractor and the semitrailer.