Fifth-Wheel Coupling Securing Apparatus Against Vibration Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fifth wheel couplings suffer from safety issues due to prone safety devices that can be accidentally released, particularly under vibrations, compromising the secure connection between towing vehicles and trailers.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel coupling with a locking mechanism that includes a securing device featuring a locking means pivotably mounted about a pivot axis transverse to the trailer surface, a self-locking actuating device, and an actuator for automated or manual release, ensuring the locking mechanism remains in a closed position unless intentionally actuated, thus preventing unintentional opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety device with a locking means is added to prevent accidental release, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is integrated into the actuating device structure, with the locking means pivotably mounted on the actuating device itself. The locking means works together with a corresponding structure on the fifth wheel coupling plate to form a nested locking system that prevents accidental release without requiring a separate external safety device.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means acts as an intermediary element between the actuating device and the fifth wheel coupling plate. It pivotably engages with a corresponding structure on the coupling plate to prevent unintended opening, while allowing controlled opening through the actuating device. This intermediary mechanism provides the safety function without directly complicating the main actuating mechanism.
2Reliability
If the locking means is made vibration-resistant through pivotable mounting, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position and movement of the actuating device. When the actuating device is in the retracted position, the locking means automatically engages with the coupling plate to prevent opening. When the actuating device is moved to the extended position, the locking means automatically disengages. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate manual locking/unlocking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means is pivotably mounted rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adapt to vibrations and movement. The pivotable mounting enables the locking means to maintain reliable engagement despite vibrational forces, while still allowing smooth operation when the actuating device is intentionally moved. The dynamic nature of the pivotable connection provides both vibration resistance and operational ease.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fifth-wheel coupling (1), comprising a fifth-wheel coupling plate (10), a locking mechanism (20), an actuating device (30) and a securing apparatus (40); wherein the fifth-wheel coupling plate (10) has a trailer surface (12) and an entry opening (14) for a kingpin; wherein the trailer surface (12) has a normal (N); wherein the entry opening (14) extends in an entry direction (E); wherein the locking mechanism (20) is designed such that, in a closed position, the locking mechanism indirectly or directly interlockingly prevents the kingpin from exiting the entry opening (14); wherein, in an open position, the locking mechanism (20) allows the kingpin to exit the entry opening (14); wherein the actuating device (30) has an actuation region (32), more particularly a handle, and a transmission region (34); wherein the actuation device (30) extends along a longitudinal axis (L); wherein the actuation device (30) is designed to transfer the locking mechanism (20) from the closed position to the opening position, more particularly by movement of the actuating device (30) in an actuation direction (B); wherein the transmission region (34) is designed to indirectly or directly transmit forces and/or torques to the locking mechanism (20); wherein the securing apparatus (40) comprises a blocking means (42); wherein the blocking means (42) is mounted, in particular for pivoting about a pivot axis (S), such that the blocking means (42) can be moved into a blocking position and into a release position; and wherein, in the blocking position, the blocking means (42) interlockingly prevents the locking mechanism (20) from being transferred from the closed position to the opening position.