Fifth-Wheel Hitch Interface for Autonomous Trailer Air and Power Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous cargo vehicles face challenges in coupling and decoupling air supply and electrical connections between the tractor unit and trailer, especially in scenarios where no human is present to manually perform these tasks, making efficient transportation inefficient or unfeasible.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fifth-wheel configuration with a clamp mechanism and connection surfaces for pneumatic and electrical connections, along with sensors and automated landing gear, enables autonomous coupling and decoupling of air supply and electrical connections between the tractor unit and trailer, allowing for secure and reliable operation in fully or partially autonomous modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual connection processes are used for air supply and electrical connectors, then the system is simple to operate with human drivers, but the system becomes infeasible for fully autonomous vehicles where no person is present
Solution Approach 1:
The fifth-wheel assembly is designed to autonomously perform the coupling function without human intervention. The clamp mechanism automatically engages with the kingpin, and the pneumatic and electrical connectors self-align and connect when the tractor unit backs into position, enabling the system to service itself during the coupling process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the air supply connection, electrical connection, and mechanical coupling functions into a single integrated fifth-wheel assembly. This merging of multiple connection types into one unified interface simplifies the autonomous coupling process while maintaining all necessary functionalities
2Productivity
If a person is stationed at endpoint facilities to perform coupling tasks, then manual connection can be completed, but this approach is inefficient and not feasible in various situations
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous coupling system eliminates the need for human operators at endpoint facilities by enabling the vehicle to perform its own coupling and uncoupling operations automatically through the integrated fifth-wheel mechanism and control system
3Extent of automation
If the fifth-wheel includes integrated pneumatic and electrical connection sections, then autonomous coupling is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates pneumatic connection slots, electrical contacts, and the clamp mechanism into a single fifth-wheel assembly, combining multiple connection functions into one unified structure that simplifies autonomous operation despite increased internal complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fifth-wheel assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical coupling via the clamp mechanism, pneumatic connection through slots that align with kingpin holes, and electrical connection via contacts that engage with the kingpin interface, creating a universal coupling solution
Data Source
AI summary
The technology relates to autonomous vehicles having hitched or towed trailers for transporting cargo and other items between locations. Aspects of the technology provide a smart hitch connection between the fifth-wheel of a tractor unit and the kingpin of a trailer. This avoids requiring a person to make physical pneumatic and electrical connections between the fifth-wheel and kingpin using external hoses and cables. Instead, the necessary connections are made internally, autonomously. For instance, the fifth-wheel may provide air pressure via one or more slots arranged on a connection surface, and the trailer is configured to receive the air pressure through one or more openings on a contact surface of the kingpin. An electrical connection section of the fifth-wheel may also provide electrical signals and/or power to an electrical contact interface of the kingpin. Rotational information about relative alignment of the trailer to the tractor unit may also be provided.