Kingpin Deflection Sensing for Precise Trailer Articulation Angle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the articulation angle between a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle are complex and require components in both the towing and trailer vehicles, limiting autonomous functionality to the trailer vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device in the trailer vehicle that includes a kingpin and a sensor device to measure deflection in two directions, allowing direct determination of the articulation angle by measuring components of the force acting on the kingpin, eliminating the need for indirect measurements through sensing screws or bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indirect measurement through sensing screws or bolts is used, then the articulation angle can be determined, but the device complexity increases and measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from indirect sensing screws or bolts and concentrates it directly on the kingpin. The sensor device is mounted directly on the kingpin to measure deflection, eliminating the need for separate sensing screws or bolts. This extraction simplifies the overall system while improving measurement precision by directly capturing the articulation angle information at its source.
Solution Approach 2:
The kingpin serves multiple functions: it mechanically connects the towing vehicle to the trailer vehicle and simultaneously acts as a measurement platform for the sensor device. By making the kingpin universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensing components, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Extent of automation
If components in both towing and trailer vehicles are used, then articulation angle can be determined, but autonomous functionality of the trailer vehicle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer vehicle performs the measurement function autonomously using its own kingpin and sensor device. The system is self-sufficient, requiring no additional components in the towing vehicle. This self-service approach maximizes autonomous functionality while simplifying the overall system by eliminating dependencies on the towing vehicle's equipment.
3Reliability
If sensing screws or bolts are used, then force measurement is possible, but wearing parts are introduced reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sensing screws or bolts from the system and replaces them with a sensor device mounted directly on the kingpin. This extraction eliminates the wearing parts entirely, as the kingpin itself serves as the measurement platform without requiring separate fastening sensors that would subject to wear and failure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using physical sensing screws or bolts that contact and wear against the kingpin, the patent uses a sensor device that measures deflection of the kingpin without direct contact wear. The measurement is obtained through deflection detection rather than contact force sensing, eliminating the harmful wearing effect while preserving measurement capability.
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 dynamic articulation angles, facilitating autonomous functions for the trailer vehicle without wearing parts and simplifying the calculation of the articulation angle using trigonometric relationships.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor device is configured to measure a deflection of the kingpin in two directions caused by a force between the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device for a trailer vehicle for determining an articulation angle between a towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle includes a kingpin and a sensor device. The sensor device is configured to measure a deflection of the kingpin in two directions caused by a force between the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle. A measuring system include the measuring device. A vehicle includes the measuring device and/or the measuring system.