Fifth Wheel Plug Guidance for Unobstructed Pitching Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fifth wheel coupling systems obstruct or impede the pitching movement of vehicles due to the displacement of plugs being parallel or perpendicular to the kingpin, exerting high mechanical forces and complicating the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel system with a plug that is displaceable in a vertical and insertion direction, guided by a mechanism that allows for a pitching movement without obstruction, using a drive and guide arrangement to ensure secure and space-saving coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug is displaceable in parallel or perpendicularly to a kingpin for energy and information transmission, then the plug connection can be established, but high mechanical forces are exerted on the plug connection and pitching movement is prevented or made difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is guided along a three-dimensional trajectory that combines both vertical displacement (parallel to kingpin) and horizontal displacement (perpendicular to kingpin) through an L-shaped or angled guide path. This dimensional change allows the plug to achieve secure connection while accommodating pitching movements by moving along the extended path rather than directly opposing the movement forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide arrangement allows the plug connection system to dynamically adapt to pitching movements by providing a flexible displacement path. The plug can move along the guide arrangement's trajectory, transforming rigid direct connection into a dynamic system that absorbs movement variations while maintaining connection integrity.
2Reliability
If the plug is displaced directly toward the kingpin for secure connection, then the connection is stable, but the system occupies more space and may obstruct pitching movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of direct linear displacement toward the kingpin, the plug follows an L-shaped or angled trajectory that utilizes both vertical and horizontal dimensions. This dimensional approach achieves secure connection through the guide arrangement while minimizing the overall space occupied by the displacement mechanism, as the guide path is integrated into the existing coupling structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A fifth wheel includes a fifth wheel plate, a plug, a drive, and a guide arrangement for the plug, wherein the fifth wheel plate has a semi-trailer surface that has an outwardly pointing normal, that is parallel to a vertical direction wherein the fifth wheel plate has an insertion opening that extends in an insertion direction, wherein the plug is displaceable by the drive from a first, in particular retracted, position into a second position, in particular an extended position, wherein the plug is guided from the first position into the second position and/or from the second position into the first position by the guide arrangement, wherein an offset in the vertical direction and in the insertion direction is present between the first position and the second position.