King Pin Bending Sensing for Semitrailer Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are unable to reliably measure horizontal or radial forces acting on the king pin of a semitrailer during braking or acceleration, which are crucial for controlling automated driving functions.
Innovation Solution
A device is provided that includes a sensor device attached to the king pin to directly measure bending caused by forces, utilizing a sensor device with a transmission element and pressure sensor to ascertain the bending, which is correlated with the acting force, allowing for precise force measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensing screws are used to measure forces on the king pin, then force measurement is possible, but horizontal or radial forces during braking or acceleration cannot be reliably measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensing screw system with a strain gauge measurement system that directly measures bending moments on the king pin. The strain gauges are arranged to detect bending in multiple directions, enabling reliable measurement of horizontal and radial forces during braking and acceleration that cannot be captured by screw-based sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional force measurement along the screw axis to three-dimensional bending moment measurement by arranging strain gauges in multiple orientations on the king pin surface. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous measurement of vertical, horizontal, and radial force components.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor device with transmission element and pressure sensor is used, then precise force measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from a complex multi-component sensor device and implements it directly on the king pin structure itself. The strain gauges are mounted on the existing king pin surface, utilizing its structural geometry for measurement without requiring separate transmission elements or pressure sensors, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 reliable and precise measurement of forces on the king pin, facilitating accurate regulation of braking and electric drive systems for automated vehicles, thereby enhancing the control of semitrailers.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device, in particular having a strain gauge, arranged in the opening
Implementation Method 2
the sensor device has a fluid pressure sensor for measuring a pressure p relating to the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A device measures a force acting on a king pin of a semitrailer. The device includes the king pin and a sensor unit. The sensor unit is configured to ascertain a bending of the king pin caused by the force. The king pin has an opening, and the sensor unit is arranged in at least one of the following locations: in the opening and at one end of the opening.