Fifth Wheel Coupling Safety Lever Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fifth wheel coupling mechanisms face difficulties in easily and reliably locking and unlocking the kingpin, often requiring high frictional forces and risking jamming due to the need to overcome spring forces and match precise dimensions for the pull handle's movement.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel coupling design with a separate safety device and a movably arranged blocking element that allows for easier locking and unlocking by preventing unintentional release, featuring a wider lead-through space and a spring mechanism that doesn't require overcoming the safety lever's force, along with a visible blocking element for operator convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pull handle is designed to pivot within the opening to unlock the kingpin, then the locking mechanism can be actuated, but high frictional forces must be overcome and jamming may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pull handle is divided into two separate levers (pull lever and safety lever) that can move independently. This segmentation allows the pull lever to pivot for unlocking while the safety lever provides separate control for releasing the blocking element, distributing the operational functions to reduce friction and jamming risks on a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
A blocking element (pawl) is introduced as an intermediary component that physically blocks the pull lever's pivoting motion when in the blocked position. This mediator prevents unintentional release while allowing controlled unlocking when the safety lever actuates it, adding a reliability layer without increasing friction on the main locking action.
2Reliability
If a safety lever is added to prevent unintentional release, then operational safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety lever and pull lever are merged into a single integrated pull handle assembly that operates through coordinated movement. The safety lever slides within a guide opening on the pull lever, combining two safety functions (blocking unintentional release and controlling unlock sequence) into one unified component structure rather than separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety lever serves multiple functions: it blocks the pull lever from pivoting when retracted (preventing unintentional release), and when extended, it releases the blocking element to enable controlled unlocking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate safety mechanisms, offsetting the complexity increase.
3Reliability
If the pull handle dimensions are precisely matched to the opening dimensions to prevent pivoting in locked position, then safety is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on precise static dimensional matching to prevent pivoting, the invention uses a dynamic blocking mechanism. The blocking element (pawl) actively engages with the pull lever to prevent pivoting motion, allowing for greater dimensional tolerance in manufacturing while maintaining the same reliability of preventing unintentional release.
4Ease of operation
If the pull handle is pulled outward to unlock, then the kingpin can be released, but the spring force of the tension spring must be overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The operator must first extend the safety lever to release the blocking element before the pull lever can pivot and before pulling the handle outward. This preliminary action sequences the unlocking process so that the spring force is only overcome after the blocking element has been released, making the overall unlocking action more controlled and manageable.
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
This design simplifies the locking process, reduces jamming risks, and enhances operational reliability by allowing easier manipulation of the pull handle and providing visual confirmation of the locking status, while maintaining the functionality of existing two-part pull handles.
Implementation Method 1
A first spring device (49) is provided, which moves the pull handle (32) from its release position in the direction of the blocked position
Implementation Method 2
The second spring device (59) holds the safety lever (50) in its rest position
Implementation Method 3
A third spring device (70) is provided, which moves the blocking element (62) into the blocking position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The coupling has pull handle (32) that is provided with pull lever (40) and safety lever (50) and connected at an end (33a) by connection unit to a closing element (20). The pull handle is moved in travel space (82) of guide mechanism (80) of fifth wheel coupling plate (2) into a blocking position and a release position. A unit is provided for blocking pull handle in closed position and provided with a safety mechanism (60) with a movably arranged blocking element (62). The pull handle is provided with unit for manipulation of safety mechanism.