Fifth-Wheel Coupling Blocking Element Anti-Theft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-theft devices for fifth wheel couplings lack sufficient mechanical stability to prevent unauthorized uncoupling of trailers, as they can be forcibly opened or damaged during sudden movements or theft attempts.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel coupling with a blocking element that can be moved from a rest to a blocking position, protruding into the entry opening, and fixed in that position when the fixing element is open, creating a stable mechanical lock that prevents unauthorized extension of the king pin, even if the anti-theft device is forcibly switched off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current anti-theft devices are used to prevent unauthorized uncoupling, then theft protection is provided, but the devices lack mechanical stability and can be forcibly opened or damaged during sudden movements or theft attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent parts: the original locking device (locking hook with safety bar) and the additional security device (blocking element). This segmentation allows each component to specialize - the locking device for normal operation and the blocking element for enhanced security, preventing total failure if one component is compromised
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is positioned to protrude into the entry opening before any unauthorized uncoupling attempt occurs. This pre-positioned mechanical barrier cushions against forced opening attempts by physically blocking the king pin's path, making theft attempts futile from the outset
2Strength
If the blocking element protrudes into the entry opening to prevent unauthorized extension, then mechanical stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is integrated with the existing locking hook assembly, sharing common mounting structures and spatial arrangements. This merging approach allows the additional security feature to be added without creating a completely separate system, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
3Reliability
If the blocking element is fixed in the blocking position to prevent manipulation, then reliability against theft is enhanced, but the ease of operation for authorized uncoupling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to be retractable rather than permanently fixed, allowing it to be moved out of the blocking position before authorized uncoupling operations. This preliminary action of retraction prepares the system for easy authorized operation while maintaining strong theft protection during normal locked states
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element transitions from a static blocking position to a dynamic retracted position during authorized uncoupling. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between two states: high security during normal operation and easy operation during authorized uncoupling, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a fifth-wheel coupling (1) having a fifth-wheel coupling plate (2) on which is arranged an entry opening (4) for a king pin (5). Provision is made of an at least single-part locking device (100) for fastening the king pin (5) and of a fixing element which engages on the locking device, which fixing element can be moved from a locking position into an open position and vice versa. In addition to the locking system, a securing device (15) with a blocking element (40, 400) is provided, which blocking element (40, 400) can be moved from a rest position into a blocking position and vice versa, wherein the blocking element (40, 400) projects into the entry opening (4) at least in the blocking position.