Semi-Trailer Fifth Wheel Weighing for Accurate Support Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-trailer weight measurement systems inaccurately distinguish between vertical and horizontal forces due to the rigid connection of the kingpin to the fifth wheel, leading to distorted vertical load determinations.
Innovation Solution
A weighing system that mechanically decouples the kingpin from the fifth wheel plate, allowing only vertical forces to be measured by a fixedly connected kingpin and independent fifth wheel plate, using a measuring system to accurately determine support load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the kingpin is rigidly connected to the fifth wheel plate, then the structural stability is improved, but the measurement precision of vertical load deteriorates due to inclusion of horizontal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the kingpin connection from the fifth wheel plate by introducing a movable connection mechanism with degrees of freedom. The kingpin is rigidly connected to the semi-trailer frame, while the fifth wheel plate can move independently relative to the kingpin, allowing mechanical decoupling of force components for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable connection mechanism acts as an intermediary between the kingpin and the fifth wheel plate. This intermediary component enables the transmission of vertical forces to the measuring system while allowing horizontal forces to be absorbed by the movable connection, thus protecting the measurement from distortion.
2Device complexity
If a rigid connection is used between kingpin and fifth wheel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to force distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the kingpin and the fifth wheel plate is made dynamic rather than static. The fifth wheel plate is allowed to move independently with respect to the kingpin, creating a dynamic system that can adapt to different force directions. This dynamic connection enables the system to differentiate between vertical and horizontal forces, improving measurement precision without excessive complexity.
3Ease of operation
If horizontal forces are included in the measurement, then the ease of operation is improved by simpler measurement setup, but the measurement precision of vertical load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts horizontal forces from the measurement path by allowing the fifth wheel plate to move independently relative to the kingpin. The movable connection absorbs horizontal force components, extracting them from the force transmission path to the measuring system. This leaves only vertical forces to be measured, ensuring high precision without complicating the overall setup.
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 provides highly accurate support load measurements by isolating horizontal forces from the measurement, enhancing the precision of load determination and enabling real-time monitoring for applications like precision farming.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring system (13) arranged between the fastening means (11) and the fifth wheel plate (12), wherein the measuring system (13) is configured to measure a force acting on the fifth wheel plate (12)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a weighing system (1) for directly measuring the support load of a semi-trailer (2), comprising at least: a fastening means (11) for attaching a kingpin (111) to a frame (22) of the semi-trailer (2); a fifth wheel plate (12) for interacting with a fifth wheel coupling (31) of a tractor unit (3); and a measuring system (13) arranged between the fastening means (11) and the fifth wheel plate (12), wherein the measuring system (13) is configured to measure a force acting on the fifth wheel plate (12). It is characterized in that the kingpin (111) is rigidly connected to the frame (22) by means of the fastening means (11); and that the fifth wheel plate (12) is configured to move independently relative to the kingpin (111).In the weighing system (1) according to the invention, almost all horizontal forces generated by the vehicle dynamics are directed into the frame (22) via the decoupled kingpin (111) without passing through the measuring system (13), and mainly vertical forces are taken into account in the support load measurement via the semi-trailer plate (12), which advantageously increases its accuracy.