Fifth-Wheel Coupling Cover Mechanism for Low-Force Auto Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic coupling systems for commercial vehicles face issues with high contact forces during coupling, leading to damage and contamination risks, particularly affecting the movable covering elements of the plug and socket.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel coupling arrangement with a primary coupling device featuring a base body, drive, coupling mechanism, and cover device, where the cover element is displaced by the drive to reduce contact forces and protect the energy-conducting contacts, using a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric drive to ensure energy transmission between the towing vehicle and trailer while minimizing environmental exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plug and socket are automatically coupled by approaching the towing vehicle to the trailer, then energy transmission is achieved, but high contact forces occur causing damage to covering elements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism performs preliminary actions by first aligning and engaging the mechanical coupling elements (bolts, lugs) before the plug and socket make contact. This sequence ensures that the majority of coupling force is absorbed by the mechanical structure rather than being transmitted to the fragile electrical contacts and covering elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates cushioning elements and compliant mounting structures that absorb and distribute coupling forces before they reach the plug and socket. The base body and mounting brackets are designed with inherent compliance to mitigate impact forces during the coupling process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the plug and socket are exposed during coupling, then connection is achieved, but contamination from environmental influences occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the mechanical coupling elements (bolts, lugs, base body) that handle rough alignment and force absorption, and the protected electrical connection elements (plug, socket, covering elements) that remain shielded until the final stage. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal environmental condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering elements act as intermediary protective barriers between the electrical contacts and the environment. They are designed to remain in place during the rough coupling phase and only retract or move aside when the mechanical coupling is complete and the plug-socket connection is about to be made, thus mediating between protection and accessibility needs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If covering elements are added to protect the plug and socket, then protection from environmental influences is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base body and mounting structure serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support, absorb coupling forces, guide alignment, and house the covering elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity despite adding protection features.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering elements are integrated with the base body and mounting structure rather than being separate add-on components. This merging of functions and structures ensures that the protective elements become part of the overall coupling mechanism's unified design, minimizing the complexity increase.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a primary coupling apparatus (1) of a fifth-wheel coupling arrangement (3) or of a trailer, in particular of a semitrailer, wherein the primary coupling apparatus (1) comprises a main part (10), a drive (12), a coupling mechanism (24), a cover apparatus (20) and a plug element (14), wherein the main part (10) is designed to be fixed to the fifth-wheel coupling arrangement (3) and/or to the trailer, the plug element (14) having energy conductive contacts which point in particular in a plug-in direction (V), the drive (12) being mechanically connected to the cover apparatus (20) via the coupling mechanism (24), the cover apparatus (20) having at least one cover element (22), the cover element (22) being movable by the drive (12) between a first position and a second position, wherein the plug element (14) is exposed in the first position of the cover element (22), and wherein the plug element (14) is covered in the second position of the cover element (22).