Kingpin Force Sensing for Refrigerated Trailer Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerated trailers lack the ability to efficiently manage power generation based on the dynamic conditions of trailer acceleration and deceleration, leading to suboptimal fuel efficiency and battery charging strategies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an integrated torque sensor into the kingpin to measure forces and transmit data, allowing for real-time determination of trailer acceleration and deceleration, which informs the control unit to optimize generator power usage based on additional sensors like accelerometers, clinometers, speedometers, and battery state, eliminating the need for additional data connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If an integrated sensor is added to the kingpin to measure forces, then fuel efficiency is improved through optimized power generation timing, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated directly into the kingpin structure, merging the measurement function with the existing mechanical coupling component. This eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware and additional data connections, as the sensor utilizes the kingpin's inherent structural elements for both mechanical support and force measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The kingpin serves dual functions: maintaining its primary role as a mechanical coupling between tractor and trailer, while simultaneously acting as a force measurement device through the integrated sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and data transmission infrastructure.
2Loss of energy
If real-time force measurement is implemented to optimize generator power usage, then energy waste is reduced, but the requirement for additional data connections increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor integration merges force measurement capabilities directly into the kingpin, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses and data connection systems. The measurement data is obtained through the existing mechanical interface without requiring additional communication infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the kingpin to measure various forces, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing elements are integrated into the kingpin's structural design, combining several measurement functions into a single manufactured component. This approach achieves high measurement precision through the unified sensor system while avoiding the complexity of assembling multiple separate sensor units.
Data Source
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AI summary
A kingpin for connecting a trailer to a tractor, the kingpin comprising: an integrated sensor arranged to measure a force applied to the kingpin, and a data connection arranged to transmit data of a force measured by the integrated sensor.