Fifth Wheel Locking Mechanism Prevents False Kingpin Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fifth wheels used in terminal tractors require robust, reliable, and quick hitching and unhitching mechanisms that minimize false locking cases, particularly due to frequent operations in cargo yards and warehouses.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism featuring a sliding deadbolt jaw, release arm, secondary lock latch, trigger member, manual release bar, and pneumatic release cylinder, which automatically engages and disengages the trailer kingpin within the fifth wheel throat, ensuring secure coupling and easy decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to false locking cases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: a deadbolt jaw for primary locking, a secondary lock latch for verification, and a trigger member with interlocking surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, reducing false locking while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism includes an armed position where the deadbolt jaw is positioned and ready to engage before the kingpin is fully inserted. The trigger member is pre-configured with interlocking surfaces that must align properly, ensuring that locking conditions are prepared in advance rather than relying on simple contact
2Reliability
If a robust locking mechanism with multiple locks is used, then the reliability increases, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states through the interaction of its components. When the kingpin is inserted or removed, the deadbolt jaw and trigger member self-actuate through their interlocking surfaces, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of multiple locks and simplifying operation while maintaining robust security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking components are designed with movable elements that dynamically respond to kingpin position. The deadbolt jaw slides along the kingpin, and the trigger member pivots to engage or disengage the secondary lock latch, creating a dynamic system that adapts to operational conditions rather than requiring static manual intervention
3Productivity
If frequent hitching and unhitching operations are enabled, then the productivity increases, but the wear and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design allows wear components such as the deadbolt jaw and trigger member surfaces to be independently replaced without replacing the entire fifth wheel assembly. These high-wear components can be discarded and recovered for maintenance separately, reducing downtime and maintenance complexity while enabling frequent operations
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the locking mechanism into replaceable components, the patent enables selective maintenance of only the worn parts rather than the entire assembly. This modular approach to maintenance reduces the time and resources required for repairs, supporting high-frequency hitching and unhitching operations
Data Source
AI summary
A fifth wheel includes a top plate having a throat that is adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer. The fifth wheel is equipped with a locking mechanism including a jaw slidably connected to the top plate and slidable between a closed position where the jaw blocks passage of a kingpin out of the throat of the fifth wheel and an open position where a kingpin may pass into and out of the throat of the fifth wheel. The jaw has an edge adapted to engage a kingpin positioned in the throat of the fifth wheel when the jaw is in the closed position. A release arm is pivotally attached to the top plate and the jaw. A trigger member is pivotally attached to the release arm and has a locking head. A main spring urges the jaw towards the closed position. A locking protrusion is attached to the top plate and is engaged by the locking head of the trigger member when the jaw is in the open position so as to prevent the jaw from moving into the closed position. A release member is pivotally attached to the distal end portion of the release arm.