Fifth Wheel Coupler Low Friction PTFE Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fifth wheel assemblies experience friction issues between the tractor and trailer bearing surfaces, leading to handling problems and frequent lubricant replenishment needs, especially in cold weather.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel assembly featuring a low friction intermediate plate made of materials like PTFE, with a king pin retention device and a pneumatic latch system, allowing for free rotation and minimal friction, ensuring uniform contact and secure coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a lubricant (grease) is placed between the bearing surfaces to reduce friction, then friction is reduced, but frequent replenishment is required and it can be squeezed out or stiffen in cold weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the intermediate plate from conventional materials to PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which has inherently low friction properties. This material substitution eliminates the need for external lubricants while maintaining low friction between bearing surfaces, resolving the contradiction between friction reduction and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate plate as a mediator between the upper and lower bearing surfaces. This intermediate plate made of PTFE material acts as a friction-reducing intermediary that prevents direct contact between metal surfaces, eliminating the problems associated with grease-based lubrication while maintaining smooth operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If grease is used as lubricant between bearing surfaces, then friction is reduced, but maintenance frequency increases due to frequent replenishment needs
Solution Approach 1:
The PTFE intermediate plate provides self-lubricating properties through its material characteristics. The low friction surface of PTFE reduces wear and friction without requiring external lubrication, enabling the system to maintain itself without frequent maintenance intervention and eliminating time loss associated with grease replenishment.
3Device complexity
If conventional bearing surfaces are used, then the structure is simple, but friction leads to handling problems and maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of an intermediate plate made of PTFE material positioned between the upper and lower bearing surfaces. This composite material approach combines the structural integrity of metal components with the low-friction properties of PTFE, reducing friction and maintenance issues while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
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 reduces friction, enhances vehicle handling, and decreases maintenance and lubricant costs by allowing for any trailer configuration and model compatibility, improving fuel efficiency and reducing the need for frequent lubricant replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate plate member (36) formed of a low friction material, the intermediate plate member (36) being mounted on the lower plate member (34)
Data Source
AI summary
A fifth wheel for use between a tractor and a trailer wherein the trailer has a king pin comprising a frame mounted on the tractor, a lower plate member, an intermediate plate member formed of a low friction material and mounted on the lower plate member, an upper plate member covering the low friction layer, a coupling support mounted on the upper plate member and a king pin retention device mounted on the coupling support.