Fifth Wheel Automatic Locking Tightness Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The service life of fifth wheel systems in heavy commercial vehicles is reduced due to manual adjustments of locking tightness, which are often neglected or performed incorrectly by operators, leading to premature wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an automatic adjusting mechanism with a lever, sensor, actuator, and electronic circuit that automatically adjusts the locking tightness of the fifth wheel system, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operator errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of locking tightness is performed by operator, then adjustment can be made, but operator errors occur and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fifth wheel system performs automatic adjustment of locking tightness through an actuator that moves the adjusting member based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and ensuring consistent, error-free adjustment every time the system is locked
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor detects the locked position of the fifth wheel and provides feedback to an electronic circuit, which then activates the actuator to automatically adjust the locking tightness by moving the adjusting member a predetermined distance, creating a closed-loop control system
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is neglected or performed incorrectly, then operation is simple, but wear and tear increases and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts locking tightness through the actuator and adjusting member mechanism, ensuring proper adjustment occurs every time without relying on operator action, thereby preventing wear and extending service life
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic circuit is programmed to automatically activate the actuator after detecting the locked position, performing the adjustment action immediately and consistently before any wear can occur, eliminating the possibility of neglected adjustments
3Duration of action of stationary object
If automatic adjusting mechanism is added, then service life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment operation is replaced with an automated electromechanical system consisting of an actuator, adjusting member, and electronic control circuit, which performs the adjustment function automatically based on sensor feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of the adjusting member from a manually operated component to an automatically positioned component controlled by electrical signals, transforming the adjustment process from mechanical manual operation to automated electromechanical control
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a fifth wheel (1) used in the fifth wheel system of heavy commercial vehicles, comprising at least one lever (2) that releases the kingpin (K) from the locked position, at least one moving part (3) connected to the lever (2), at least one sensor (4) that detects the movement of the moving part (3), at least one jaw (5) that locks the kingpin (K), at least one wedge (6) that adjusts the locking tightness of the jaw (5), and at least one adjusting member (7) that moves the wedge (6) to adjust the tightness of the lock.