Fifth Wheel Sensor Assembly Using Hall-Effect Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic coupling control systems for trailer hitch assemblies are prone to 'false-positive' readings due to degradation from environmental factors like grease, water, and ferromagnetic materials, which can lead to improper alignment and potential accidents.

Innovation Solution

An electronic system using a first magnet creating a magnetic flux and a Hall-effect sensor to accurately determine the position of the kingpin relative to the hitch plate, coupled with a control circuit and display device to provide reliable coupling status information, differentiating between the kingpin and foreign materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If contact-type sensors are used to detect kingpin position, then the system can provide coupling status information, but the sensors are susceptible to degradation from environmental factors like grease, water, and ferromagnetic materials causing false-positive readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces contact-type mechanical sensors with a magnetic field-based detection system using a Hall-effect sensor and magnet assembly. This substitution eliminates direct mechanical contact between the sensor and kingpin, thereby preventing degradation from grease, water, and physical wear while maintaining accurate position detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the sensor and the kingpin. The Hall-effect sensor detects changes in the magnetic field caused by the magnet's position relative to the kingpin, allowing indirect measurement that avoids direct contact with harmful environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If contact-type sensors are used, then the system can monitor coupling status, but foreign materials like ferromagnetic particles in grease can cause false-positive readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekingpin position detection accuracyVSAvoidfalse-positive readings

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces contact-type mechanical sensors with a magnetic field-based detection system using a Hall-effect sensor and magnet assembly. This substitution eliminates direct mechanical contact between the sensor and kingpin, thereby preventing degradation from grease, water, and physical wear while maintaining accurate position detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from direct physical contact to magnetic field interaction. By measuring magnetic field strength variations instead of mechanical contact, the system becomes insensitive to ferromagnetic particles in grease and other contaminants that would interfere with contact-based sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the sensor system is made more complex to differentiate kingpin from foreign materials, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifferentiation accuracyVSAvoidsensor assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from direct physical contact to magnetic field interaction. By measuring magnetic field strength variations instead of mechanical contact, the system becomes insensitive to ferromagnetic particles in grease and other contaminants that would interfere with contact-based sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a magnet attached to the kingpin that creates a magnetic field signature. The Hall-effect sensor detects this magnetic signature, creating a non-contact copy of the kingpin's position information that can be distinguished from foreign materials based on their different magnetic characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 system effectively eliminates 'false-positive' readings, enhancing safety, reducing manufacturing costs, increasing reliability, and ensuring a long operating life by accurately distinguishing between the kingpin and foreign materials.

Implementation Method 1

a first Hall-effect sensor for sensing the position of the kingpin of the trailer relative to the throat of the hitch plate by measuring the first magnetic flux

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall-effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7548155B2Fifth wheel sensor assembly

Publication Date: 2009.06.16 THE HOLLAND GROUP

AI summary

An electronic system that monitors a trailer hitch assembly having a plate hitch with a throat for receiving a kingpin of a trailer and a locking mechanism for locking the kingpin within the throat. The electronic system determines whether the trailer hitch assemblies is properly coupled to the trailer, and comprises a first magnet creating a first magnetic flux, and a first Hall-effect sensor for sensing the position of the kingpin of the trailer relative to the throat of the hitch plate by measuring the first magnetic flux. The system further comprises a control circuit operably coupled with the first Hall-effect sensor in determining whether the first magnetic flux indicates a proper location of the kingpin of the trailer relative to the throat of the hitch plate. The electronic system discriminates between the kingpin and foreign materials, thereby assuring proper locking of the locking mechanism.