Fifth-Wheel Coupling Angle Sensing With Dynamic Mount Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the articulation angle between a towing vehicle and a semi-trailer are not precise, particularly when using standardized kingpins, due to measurement errors caused by relative movements and rotations between components.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel coupling system with an angle measuring device that includes a rotor and sensor, mounted to provide degrees of freedom relative to the substructure and fifth wheel coupling plate, allowing elastic deformations and movements to be compensated, ensuring accurate measurement of the bend angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing angle measuring systems are used with standardized kingpins, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to relative movements and rotations between components
Solution Approach 1:
The angle measuring device is designed with one or more degrees of freedom, allowing it to dynamically adapt to relative movements and rotations between the kingpin and fifth wheel coupling. This dynamic design enables the sensor to maintain accurate alignment with the rotor despite external movements, thereby preserving measurement precision while using standardized kingpins without requiring complex custom modifications
2Device complexity
If the angle measuring device is rigidly mounted to the fifth wheel coupling, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to elastic deformations and movements during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates degrees of freedom that allow the angle measuring device to move or rotate relative to the fifth wheel coupling. This dynamic mounting compensates for elastic deformations and operational movements, maintaining measurement precision without requiring an overly complex rigid mounting system
3Measurement precision
If the angle measuring device is made more complex to compensate for movements, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex active compensation mechanisms, the invention employs a dynamic mounting structure with degrees of freedom that passively adapts to movements and deformations. This approach achieves high measurement precision through simple mechanical design, avoiding the need for complex sensors, actuators, or control systems
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
This solution provides precise measurement of the articulation angle by eliminating measurement errors from relative movements and rotations, enabling accurate detection and control of the semi-trailer's position during cornering and towing.
Implementation Method 1
The angle measuring device has a rotor and a sensor, where the rotor can be detachedly connected to a kingpin of a semi-trailer by means of a coupling magnet
Data Source
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AI summary
Fifth wheel coupling system (60) comprising a fifth wheel coupling (40) and an angle measuring device (70), wherein the angle measuring device (70) has at least one degree of freedom relative to the fifth wheel coupling (40).