Fifth-Wheel Roll Compensation for Wear and Rollover Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fifth-wheel couplings experience increased wear and reduced vehicle stability due to excessive roll movement between towing and towed vehicle units, particularly in vehicles with stiff torsion structures, leading to reduced rollover stability and potential failures.
Innovation Solution
An automated compensation system for fifth-wheel couplings that includes pivoting supports, actuators, sensors, and a controller to actively adjust the position of the fifth-wheel coupling to accommodate roll movements, allowing for controlled lateral movement and tilt, reducing stress and improving stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the fifth-wheel coupling uses a rigid connection between kingpin and coupler plate, then structural strength is improved, but roll movement restriction causes increased wear and reduced vehicle stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a compensator mechanism that enables controlled lateral movement of the fifth-wheel coupling relative to the prime mover chassis. This dynamic adjustment allows the coupling to accommodate roll movements during turns and uneven terrain, distributing overturning moments to the suspensions while maintaining structural integrity, thereby resolving the contradiction between rigid strength and flexible stability.
2Reliability
If clearance is provided between kingpin and coupler plate to allow roll movement, then vehicle stability is improved, but excessive lash reduces rollover threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by actively controlling the lateral position of the fifth-wheel coupling using an actuator system. The controller adjusts the coupling's lateral position in real-time based on vehicle operation conditions, optimizing the balance between allowing sufficient roll movement for stability and limiting excessive lash that would reduce rollover threshold. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between stability and rollover safety.
3Reliability
If automated compensation system is implemented, then rollover stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing purely mechanical passive compensation mechanisms with an automated system that uses sensors, a controller, and an actuator. This system actively measures vehicle conditions and adjusts the fifth-wheel coupling position accordingly, achieving superior rollover stability while managing complexity through intelligent control rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices are for compensating for the roll of a fifth-wheel coupling, such as on a prime mover towing a semi-trailer. An automated compensation system for a fifth-wheel coupling mounted on a towing vehicle unit includes a first pivoting support to support one lateral side of the fifth-wheel coupling; a second pivoting support to support an opposite lateral side of the fifth-wheel coupling; an actuator configured to cause movement of the first and second pivoting supports; a sensor to sense a parameter relevant to determining whether roll compensation is required for the vehicle; a controller configured to receive a sensor output of the sensor and to determine whether roll compensation is required based on the sensor output, the controller being further configured to issue a control signal to cause the actuator to move the first and second pivoting supports when the controller determines that roll compensation is required.