Fifth-Wheel Coupling Mounting Shells for Wear-Free Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems suffer from high wear and tear of measuring elements, leading to measurement errors and the need for frequent replacements, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system design with a measuring shell and bearing shell separation, where the measuring shell is inserted between the bearing block and the fifth-wheel coupling plate, allowing the measuring element to be protected from wear and remain in place, while conventional bearing shells can be replaced when worn out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the measuring element is integrated into the bearing block or mounting region, then force measurement is enabled, but the measuring element is subject to high wear and tear leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting region into two separate shells: a bearing shell that contacts the bearing block and is subject to wear, and a measuring shell that houses the measuring element and remains stationary. This segmentation isolates the measuring element from wear-prone areas while maintaining force measurement capability through the bearing shell's transmission of forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing shell acts as an intermediary between the bearing block and the measuring shell. It transmits operating forces from the bearing block to the measuring shell without requiring direct contact between the measuring element and the moving bearing block, thereby protecting the measuring element from wear.
2Reliability
If the measuring element is protected from wear by isolating it from moving parts, then measurement reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional shells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of force transmission and measurement housing into two integrated shells (bearing shell and measuring shell) that work together as a unified assembly. This merging approach protects the measuring element while maintaining a compact structure that can be installed as a single unit in the coupling system.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling system for a towing vehicle, including a measuring element, wherein the coupling system has a fifth-wheel coupling plate on which a conically widened insertion region that is located in the longitudinal axis (x) of said plate and is intended for the introduction of a trailer-side coupling means and an adjoining locking region are formed, and at least two bearing blocks that engage laterally on the fifth-wheel coupling plate are provided, wherein the measuring element is situated in a mounting region of the coupling system such that operating forces (Fx, Fy) acting in the longitudinal axis (x) and/or a transverse axis (y) are determined thereby. A coupling system of which the measuring element is subjected to significantly lower wear effect. A bearing shell and a measuring shell are situated between at least one of the bearing blocks and the fifth wheel coupling plate, the mounting region being formed from the measuring shell.