Fifth Wheel Bearing Block Deformation Sensing for Load and Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fifth wheel systems fail to accurately measure the force flow and torque due to variations in mounting plates, vehicle frame deformation, and the division of force paths between bearing inserts and damping elements, which are not accounted for in existing measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating distance sensors into the fifth wheel's bearing block to determine deformation relative to a reference surface, allowing for unbiased force flow measurement and wear condition assessment, with sensors optionally integrated into a holder for comprehensive load condition monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force sensors are installed in the king pin to measure forces, then force measurement capability is provided, but only part of the force flow can be measured due to frictional forces between the trailer and coupling plate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from the force transmission path by using distance sensors to measure deformation of the bearing block, rather than placing sensors directly in the force flow path where friction interferes. This separates the measurement system from the force transmission system, allowing accurate measurement without disrupting the natural force flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing block deformation acts as an intermediary that translates the complex force flow into a measurable geometric change. The distance sensor measures the deformation of the bearing block, which indirectly but accurately reflects the force conditions without being affected by frictional forces in the king pin connection.
2Measurement precision
If measuring elements are arranged between the mounting surface and fifth wheel to measure forces, then force measurement is enabled, but a different solution must be designed for each mounting plate variant and vehicle frame deformation influences measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The distance sensor system mounted on the bearing block provides a universal measurement solution that works across different mounting plate variants and vehicle frame designs. The bearing block deformation measurement approach is independent of the specific mounting configuration, allowing one measurement system design to serve multiple applications without requiring custom solutions for each variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is extracted from the mounting plate interface and relocated to the bearing block, which is a common component across different variants. This removes the dependency on specific mounting plate designs and eliminates the need to develop separate measurement solutions for each variant.
3Measurement precision
If force measurement is performed at the bearings of the coupling plate, then bearing force measurement is achieved, but the force flow division between bearing insert and damping element cannot be determined due to ageing and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement is extracted from the bearing interface where force division occurs and relocated to the bearing block deformation measurement. This avoids the problem of determining force distribution between the bearing insert and damping element, as the bearing block deformation reflects the total load condition without requiring knowledge of the internal force division that changes with wear and aging.
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
Enables precise determination of load and wear conditions, enhancing driving safety and control, particularly for autonomous semi-trailer trucks, by providing detailed deformation and wear information through multiple sensor configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The determined distance provides information about the size and/or shape of a deformation of the fifth wheel under a certain load
Data Source
AI summary
A fifth wheel configured to reversibly couple a trailer to a tractor including a coupling plate configured to receive a journal element of the trailer and a bearing block configured to pivotably bear the coupling plate about a pivot axis, in particular about a horizontally extending pivot axis, at least one distance sensor being provided which determines a distance with respect to a reference surface, the at least one distance sensor and/or the reference surface being arranged as part of the bearing block or on the bearing block.