Fifth Wheel Kingpin Assembly Collet Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kingpin assemblies in fifth wheel hitch systems face challenges in preventing rotation while allowing easy access and replacement of the kingpin, particularly after wear, and efficient disassembly by unskilled personnel.
Innovation Solution
A kingpin assembly design featuring a housing with a recess, a kingpin, a coupler member, and a collet member that engages the housing and collar member, preventing rotation through frictional engagement and allowing easy disassembly by uncoupling the collet from the kingpin, facilitated by a spanner nut for efficient replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a kingpin assembly uses a locking mechanism to prevent rotation, then rotational stability is improved, but disassembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a collet member with locking lobes and a housing with corresponding features. The collet member can be independently disengaged by rotating it counter-clockwise, allowing the kingpin to be removed without disassembling the entire assembly. This segmentation enables easy maintenance while maintaining rotational stability during operation.
2Reliability
If a kingpin assembly is designed for durability and long operating life, then reliability is improved, but ease of replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collet member is designed to be dynamically adjustable - it locks the kingpin in place during normal operation to ensure reliability, but can be easily rotated counter-clockwise to unlock and remove the kingpin when replacement is needed. This dynamic locking mechanism maintains reliability while enabling easy repair.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a kingpin assembly uses a secure locking mechanism, then prevention of rotation is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collet member is designed to be manually operable by an operator without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The operator can simply rotate the collet member counter-clockwise to unlock and remove the kingpin, enabling quick maintenance and minimizing downtime, thus maintaining high operational efficiency while ensuring secure locking during operation.
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 solution provides a durable, efficient, and long-lasting kingpin assembly that can be easily replaced by unskilled personnel, ensuring effective prevention of rotation and easy maintenance, enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a collet member engaging the housing of the kingpin, and engaging the collar member such that at least partially uncoupling the collar member from the kingpin at least partially disengages the collet member from the kingpin
Data Source
AI summary
A kingpin assembly comprises a housing having a recess located therein, a kingpin having at least a portion located within the recess of the housing, a coupler member operably coupled to the kingpin, and a collet member engaging the housing and the kingpin, and engaging the coupler member such that an uncoupling of the coupler member from the kingpin at least partially disengages the collet member from the kingpin.