Kingpin Assembly with Collet and Belleville Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Kingpins used to connect side dump trailers to trucks experience unique stresses that lead to early failure, which is not addressed in conventional kingpin assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A novel kingpin assembly comprising a receiver housing, collet sleeve, Belleville spring, retainer cap, and bolts, which provides a more secure and durable connection by reducing vertical movement and increasing fatigue life through a specific design that enhances the fit between the collet and receiver housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional kingpin assemblies are used to connect side dump trailers to trucks, then the connection is simple and easy to manufacture, but the kingpin experiences unique stresses that lead to early failure
Solution Approach 1:
The kingpin assembly is divided into separate functional components: a receiver housing containing a collet mechanism, a detachable kingpin, and a retaining system with Belleville springs. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while distributing the unique stresses from side dump trailer operations across multiple parts rather than a single monolithic structure, thereby improving reliability without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A collet mechanism serves as an intermediary component between the receiver housing and the kingpin. The collet provides a precise fitting interface that mediates the connection, ensuring proper alignment and load distribution. This intermediary element protects the kingpin from misalignment stresses and ensures consistent, reliable coupling while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional kingpin designs are used, then the assembly is simple, but vertical movement and fatigue failure occur under side dump trailer stresses
Solution Approach 1:
Belleville springs are pre-installed in the retaining system to provide beforehand cushioning against vertical loads and shocks. These springs are positioned to immediately absorb and dampen vertical movement forces before they can damage the kingpin or cause fatigue failure. This prior cushioning mechanism maintains stability under the unique stress conditions of side dump trailer operations while using a well-understood mechanical component.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet mechanism employs precise dimensional parameters and tolerances to control the fit between the collet and kingpin. By carefully controlling the geometric parameters of the collet's internal geometry and its interaction with the kingpin, the design achieves minimal vertical movement without requiring overly complex mechanisms. The parameter optimization balances stability with manufacturability.
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 new kingpin assembly shows 27% less vertical movement, 7% less vertical pull movement, and a 365% increase in fatigue life compared to conventional designs, significantly improving reliability and reducing the risk of early failure.
Implementation Method 1
a Belleville spring on the kingpin
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a kingpin assembly comprising a receiver housing, a collet sleeve in the receiver housing, a kingpin in the collet, a spring on the kingpin, a retainer cap on the spring, and a plurality of connectors connecting the receiver housing to the retainer cap. In one embodiment, the retainer cap exerts a pressure against the spring which in turn exerts pressure to a top of the king pin pressing the king pin and collet towards a bottom of the receiver housing.