Fifth Wheel Hitch Lock Timing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fifth wheel hitch systems lack a reliable mechanism for timing the actuation of components in the kingpin latch locking assembly, making it difficult to securely couple and decouple the kingpin from the hitch.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with a movable latch member, plunger member, actuator assembly, and locking member, along with a biasing member, that allows for precise control of the latch's locked and unlocked positions, enabling secure engagement and disengagement of the kingpin within the fifth wheel hitch plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fifth wheel hitch latch assembly is used without a lock timing mechanism, then the structure is simpler, but the reliability of kingpin coupling and decoupling is insufficient due to lack of actuation timing control
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a latch member for retaining the kingpin, a plunger member for engaging/disengaging the latch, and a locking member for controlling plunger movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is positioned to engage the plunger member in advance before the plunger can move to disengage the latch. This preliminary locking action ensures that the latch remains securely engaged during normal operation, and only allows plunger movement when the locking member is deliberately actuated, thereby preventing accidental decoupling.
2Reliability
If a locking member is added to control plunger movement, then the reliability of the locked position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member and plunger member are integrated into a single engagement system where the locking member directly interfaces with the plunger member through cam surfaces and engagement surfaces. This merging of functions reduces the need for additional separate components while maintaining the reliability of the locked position through the interlocked geometry of the combined elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger member serves as an intermediary element between the actuator assembly and the latch member, while the locking member acts as a mediator that controls plunger movement. This intermediary structure allows the system to achieve reliable position control without requiring direct complex interaction between the actuator and latch, simplifying the overall control mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the latch member directly engages the kingpin without a plunger and locking mechanism, then the device is simpler, but the ease of operation for secure coupling and decoupling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly employs dynamic movement of the plunger member along a defined path to engage and disengage the latch member from the kingpin. The plunger's linear motion, controlled by the locking member, provides a simple and intuitive operating mechanism that is easier to actuate than direct manual manipulation of the latch member itself, while the entire mechanism remains mechanically simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically returns the plunger member to its engaged position after actuation, and the locking member's cam surface automatically guides the plunger through the disengagement motion. This self-service mechanism reduces the effort required by the operator, as the system uses its own stored energy (from the biasing member) and geometric constraints to complete the coupling and decoupling actions.
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 solution provides a reliable mechanism for securely coupling and decoupling the kingpin, ensuring safe and efficient towing operations by allowing precise control over the latch's positions, enhancing the reliability and ease of use of the fifth wheel hitch assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that biases the locking member from the disengaged position to the engaged position
Data Source
AI summary
The latch assembly of a fifth wheel hitch plate comprises a latch member movable between lock and unlocked positions, a plunger member movable between engaged and unengaged positions, an actuator movable between coupled and uncoupled positions, a locking member movable between first and second positions, and a biasing member that biases the locking member from the disengaged position to the engaged position, wherein the latch member abuts the locking member as the latch member is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, thereby moving the locking member from the first position to the second position.