Fifth Wheel Lateral Force Monitoring for Trailer Tipping Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle combinations comprising a tractor and a tipping trailer lack integrated systems to prevent tipping over, particularly when granular materials stick to the trailer sides, leading to uneven discharge and potential rollover situations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system using fifth wheel sensors to monitor lateral force distribution, triggering a safety stop or preventing the initiation of tipping operations when the difference in lateral force exceeds a predetermined threshold to prevent tipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fifth wheel sensors are installed to monitor lateral force distribution, then the ability to detect tipping risks is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fifth wheel serves as an intermediary component where sensors are integrated. The sensors measure lateral forces at the fifth wheel connection point between tractor and trailer, providing indirect but effective monitoring of tipping risks without requiring direct attachment to the trailer bed or additional complex sensor arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The fifth wheel sensors serve multiple functions: they monitor lateral force distribution, detect tipping risks, and provide data for both prevention and warning modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated tipping detection systems.
2Reliability
If lateral force monitoring is implemented to prevent tipping, then the safety is improved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes existing fifth wheel infrastructure and integrates sensors into the current connection mechanism between tractor and trailer. By leveraging the existing mechanical connection point, the system avoids the need for separate dedicated mounting structures or additional complex support systems.
3Reliability
If the tipping threshold is set to trigger safety stop early, then the safety margin is improved, but the productivity decreases due to more frequent stops
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a two-tier response: a warning mode that activates before the critical tipping point to alert operators, and a safety stop mode that activates only when the threshold is exceeded. This partial action approach provides early warning without immediately halting operations, balancing safety with productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its response based on the severity of the detected lateral force imbalance. It transitions from a warning state to a safety stop state only when necessary, allowing operators to correct minor imbalances without interrupting the tipping operation.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A computer-implemented method (300) performed by a system for preventing tipping over of a vehicle combination (100) comprising a tractor (101) and a tipping trailer (102) before or during a tipping operation, wherein the tractor (101) comprises a fifth wheel (105), the method (300) comprising: - obtaining, from fifth wheel sensors (105a, 105b) attached to either lateral side of the fifth wheel (105), a current tractor lateral force distribution, - triggering a safety stop of an ongoing tipping operation if a difference between a nominal tractor lateral force distribution and the current tractor lateral force distribution increases towards a tractor tipping roll-over threshold value, or - preventing initiation of a tipping operation if the difference between a nominal tractor lateral force distribution and a current tractor lateral force distribution is above the tractor tipping roll-over threshold value.