Fifth Wheel Yanker Mechanism for Single-Handed Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing Jost brand fifth wheel safety-catch latching mechanism requires a difficult upward, cabward, and outward motion to disengage, which is challenging for truckers, especially in adverse weather conditions and exceeds recommended biomechanical lifting limits, making it hazardous and impractical for single-handed operation.

Innovation Solution

A lever and hook mechanism, known as the 'yanker', which engages the release handle and provides the necessary upward and cabward motion to disengage the fifth wheel, reducing biomechanical strain and allowing for one-handed operation by leveraging the tractor frame to assist in the release process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the Jost release handle is designed with a safety catch requiring upward-cabward-outward motion, then accidental disengagement is prevented, but the ease of operation deteriorates and requires excessive lifting force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental disengagementVSAvoiddifficulty of operating the release handle

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A rod with a ball joint is introduced as an intermediary tool between the operator and the release handle. The rod allows the operator to apply force from a comfortable position while the ball joint provides the necessary upward-cabward-outward motion sequence to actuate the safety catch release mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The direct manual manipulation of the release handle is replaced by a mechanical aid (rod with ball joint) that substitutes for human arm and body movements, eliminating the need for the operator to physically reach under the trailer or perform complex multi-directional hand movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the release handle requires upward lifting force of about twenty pounds, then the safety catch is secured, but the biomechanical strain on the operator increases beyond OSHA guidelines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of the safety catchVSAvoidlifting force required by operator

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The rod acts as a force transmission intermediary that allows the operator to apply force from a mechanically advantageous position rather than directly lifting the handle, reducing the biomechanical strain on the operator's muscles and joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The problem is solved by changing the dimension of force application - instead of vertical lifting that strains the operator's arm and back, the rod enables force application along a different vector through the ball joint mechanism, distributing the effort more favorably across the operator's body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the release handle requires reaching under the trailer for proper operation, then the safety catch mechanism functions correctly, but the hazard to the operator increases in slippery weather

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper functioning of safety catch mechanismVSAvoidhazard to operator in adverse weather

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rod with ball joint serves as a mediator that extends the operator's reach and control capability without requiring the operator's body to be positioned in the hazardous zone under the trailer. The operator can stand in a safe position while the rod transmits the necessary actuating forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the release handle uses a complex upward-cabward-outward motion sequence, then accidental disengagement is prevented, but the device complexity for the operator increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of mischievous disengagementVSAvoidcomplexity of operation sequence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rod with ball joint simplifies the operational complexity by providing a single intuitive pushing motion that automatically executes the required upward-cabward-outward sequence through the ball joint's mechanical geometry, eliminating the need for the operator to learn or remember a complex multi-step procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 yanker mechanism simplifies the disengagement process by reducing the physical effort required and enabling safe, single-handed operation in various weather conditions, adhering to biomechanical guidelines while avoiding hazardous reaching under the trailer.

Implementation Method 1

The preferred form of the instant invention utilizes a lever and hook in combination with a handle to provide the needed up-cabward-outward motion needed to disengage a Jost fifth wheel.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS9956685B2Fifth wheel release handle yanker

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 OSWALD THOMAS J

AI summary

A fifth wheel yanker moves a fifth wheel release handle in the sequence needed to operate the release handle in the sequence used by, for example, the Yost brand of fifth wheel Jost fifth wheel safety catch release mechanisms.