Fifth Wheel Hitch Locking Arrangement Wear Detection by Accelerometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fifth wheel hitch assemblies lack effective monitoring mechanisms for detecting excessive wear in components, which can lead to unsafe operational conditions and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel hitch assembly equipped with a sensor arrangement that includes accelerometers to monitor vibrational characteristics of the locking arrangement, allowing for the detection of wear by comparing baseline and subsequent vibrational data, and a controller to determine threshold deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no monitoring mechanism is installed in the fifth wheel hitch assembly, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of detecting excessive wear is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wear detection methods with accelerometer-based vibration sensing. The accelerometers mounted on the locking arrangement detect vibrational characteristics that indicate wear, substituting direct mechanical inspection with indirect vibration analysis. This allows reliable wear detection while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces accelerometers as intermediary sensors that indirectly detect wear conditions through vibration analysis. Instead of directly measuring wear, the accelerometers capture vibrational signals from the locking arrangement during operation, which serve as indicators of wear status. This intermediary approach enables reliable detection without requiring complex direct measurement systems.
2Measurement precision
If accelerometers are installed to monitor vibrational characteristics, then the measurement precision of wear detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies accelerometers locally at specific positions within the locking arrangement components rather than throughout the entire hitch assembly. By strategically placing sensors only where vibrational characteristics most accurately indicate wear, the system achieves high measurement precision with minimal sensor quantity, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in vibrational parameters (frequency, amplitude, patterns) of the locking arrangement over time to detect wear. By tracking parameter deviations from baseline characteristics, the system achieves precise wear detection using simple comparison logic, avoiding the need for complex analysis systems.
3Productivity
If real-time vibration monitoring is implemented, then the productivity of maintenance scheduling is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of vibrational characteristics rather than continuous monitoring. The accelerometers measure vibrations at discrete time intervals during the locking arrangement's operation, and these periodic measurements are sufficient to detect wear trends. This approach maintains high maintenance scheduling productivity while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
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
Enables preventative maintenance by providing real-time indications of worn parts, thereby preventing unsafe operations and ensuring timely maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor includes an accelerometer configured to sense vibrational movement of the at least one component of the locking arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
A fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a fifth wheel hitch plate having a body portion and a pair of extensions extending outwardly from the body portion, wherein the extensions cooperate to form a throat therebetween, a locking arrangement moveable between an unlocked position where a kingpin may be moved into and out of the throat, and a locked position where the kingpin is prevented from being removed from within the throat, and a sensor arrangement that includes at least one sensor located within at least one component of the locking arrangement, wherein the at least one sensor includes an accelerometer configured to sense vibrational movement of the at least one component of the locking arrangement.