Fifth Wheel Coupling Assembly with Sensor-Verified Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fifth wheel couplings used in rail freight transport can loosen during transport, leading to safety risks due to improper locking, and it is difficult to confirm the correct placement and locking of the king pin, especially in outdoor and varying weather conditions, resulting in potential trailer detachment during sudden train movements.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel assembly equipped with contact sensors to detect the engagement and locking status of the king pin, a distance sensor to verify trailer presence, and a control unit to determine the loading status, ensuring real-time confirmation of secure coupling and display of operational states through LEDs, enhancing safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used in fifth wheel couplings, then the structure remains simple, but the locking reliability deteriorates as the mechanism can loosen or unlock during transport without detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the locking status and kingpin engagement position before transport begins. Sensors are pre-positioned to detect the follower element position and locking mechanism status, providing advance verification that the coupling is properly secured before the train departs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback through sensors that monitor the follower element position and locking mechanism status during transport. This feedback system detects any changes in the coupling status and provides real-time information about the security of the connection, allowing for immediate detection of loosening or unlocking events.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If no detection system is installed, then the device complexity remains low, but the ability to detect and measure the coupling status deteriorates, making it difficult to confirm proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated sensor systems. Instead of relying on operators to visually confirm engagement in various weather conditions, electronic sensors automatically detect the follower element position and locking status, providing reliable detection regardless of environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-verification of the coupling status through automated sensors that continuously monitor engagement. The fifth wheel assembly essentially monitors itself, detecting its own locking status and kingpin position without requiring external inspection, thereby improving detection capability while adding minimal complexity.
3Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of verification deteriorates due to difficult outdoor inspection conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated sensor systems. Instead of relying on operators to visually confirm engagement in various weather conditions, electronic sensors automatically detect the follower element position and locking status, providing reliable detection regardless of environmental factors.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fifth wheel coupling assembly (10) for a railcar (2) comprises a fifth wheel plate (12) with a housing (18) configured to receive a trailer coupling pin; a locking device for locking the coupling pin in the housing (18); a follower element (26) arranged in the housing (18), which is moved by the coupling pin inserted into the housing from a rest position to an engaged position; and an indicator element (34) mechanically linked to the follower element (26), so as to move between a first and a second position corresponding respectively to the rest position and the engaged position of the follower element (26). A first sensor (70) is associated with the follower element (26), the first sensor being a contact sensor arranged to be actuated when the follower element is in the engaged position.A second sensor (72) is arranged to detect the locking position of the locking device; this second sensor is a contact sensor. A third sensor (74) is capable of detecting the presence of a container or semi-trailer near the fifth wheel (10); this third sensor (74) is a distance sensor. A control unit (76) is configured to receive signals from each of the sensors (70, 72, 74) and determine the status of the fifth wheel based on these signals, in particular, a loading status.