King Pin Sensor for Trailer Driving State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the driving conditions of semi-trailers connected to towing vehicles are inefficient, as they require complex and costly methods to measure forces and positions, limiting the effective control of additional devices like recuperation systems and steering mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A king pin with a sensor device that includes multiple sensor units and a mechanism to detect driving states, such as acceleration, deceleration, and cornering, by using contact elements and spring devices to generate signals indicating the current driving conditions, allowing for the control of recuperation systems and communication with the towing vehicle's control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measuring devices are arranged on the fifth wheel coupling to measure forces between semi-trailer and towing vehicle, then force measurement capability is achieved, but signal transfer to trailer-side systems becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the king pin as an intermediary component that bridges the fifth wheel coupling and the trailer-side systems. The sensor device is integrated into the king pin, which naturally transmits forces and movements between the towing vehicle and semi-trailer. This eliminates the need for complex signal transfer mechanisms through the fifth wheel coupling, as the measurement data can be directly obtained from the king pin's position and movement sensors.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sensor devices are provided on the fifth wheel to detect position and forces, then driving condition detection capability is achieved, but the overall system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor device with the king pin structure, combining multiple detection functions (position, acceleration, cornering) into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate sensor devices on the fifth wheel coupling and support plate, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive driving condition detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The king pin serves multiple functions: it mechanically connects the semi-trailer to the towing vehicle, transmits forces, and now also houses the sensor device for detecting driving conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby simplifying the overall system while achieving comprehensive measurement capabilities.
3Productivity
If multiple sensor units are integrated into the king pin to detect acceleration and cornering, then real-time driving state detection is achieved, but the king pin structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the sensor units within the king pin structure, placing accelerometers and other sensors inside the king pin's internal cavities or mounting them on its surface. This nesting approach allows multiple sensor units to be integrated into the existing king pin geometry without significantly increasing external dimensions or visual complexity, while enabling real-time detection of acceleration, cornering, and other driving states.
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 efficient detection and control of semi-trailer driving states, optimizing energy management and safety by allowing for real-time adjustments to the towing vehicle and trailer systems, enhancing the operation of additional devices like recuperation and steering systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device (74, 76) arranged in the first bore (52, 54) and/or second bore (50) and pressing the contact element (70, 72) outwards in the radial direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a kingpin (40) for mounting on a semi-trailer (10). The disclosed kingpin (40) has a pin body (41) that can be detachably engaged with a fifth wheel coupling on the tractor unit and a sensor device (60; 160; 260) for detecting the driving conditions of the semi-trailer (10). The sensor device (60; 160; 260) is arranged on the pin body (41) and is designed to detect the driving conditions of the semi-trailer (10).