Kink Angle Sensor Coupling for Offset-Free Trailer Reversing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kink angle sensor arrangements for vehicle combinations are complex and require offset compensation, making direct reversing after coupling impossible or restricted.

Innovation Solution

A kink angle sensor arrangement comprising a connecting element with a first and second articulation piece, a coupling piece, and a sensor system that detects the rotated position of the first articulation piece to ascertain the kink angle between the towing and towed vehicles, eliminating the need for offset compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a magnetic field sensor is used to detect the swiveling of the trailer via the kingpin, then the kink angle can be ascertained, but offset compensation is required and direct reversing after coupling is impossible or restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekink angle detectionVSAvoiddirect reversing after coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces magnetic field-based detection with a purely mechanical detection system. The detecting element is mechanically coupled to the articulation piece through the connecting element, directly translating the articulation angle into a detectable position without requiring magnetic field sensors or offset compensation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical coupling system automatically establishes the correct reference position upon coupling of the towing and towed vehicles. The detecting element self-adjusts to the actual articulation geometry through the mechanical connection, eliminating the need for manual offset compensation or calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If a plate-like body with multiple sensors is pretensioned against the drawbar, then the kink angle can be deduced from contact patterns, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekink angle detectionVSAvoidsensor array configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential detection function from a complex multi-sensor array and implements it through a single detecting element. The mechanical coupling through the connecting element directly translates the articulation piece's position into the detecting element's position, requiring only one sensor instead of multiple sensors arranged in a grid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electronic sensor array system with a mechanical transmission system. The mechanical coupling through rigid connecting elements directly transfers the articulation geometry to the detecting element, eliminating the need for complex sensor arrays and their associated signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If optical methods with cameras or laser systems are used to detect contours, then the kink angle can be estimated, but the system has high sensitivity to dirt and limited measurement range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekink angle estimationVSAvoidsensitivity to dirt and ambient conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical detection methods with a mechanical detection system. The detecting element is physically coupled to the articulation piece through the connecting element, directly measuring the mechanical position rather than estimating it from optical images. This eliminates sensitivity to dirt, ambient light, and camera calibration issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250187662A1Kink angle sensor arrangement, vehicle combination, and method for forming the vehicle combination

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 ZF CV SYST GLOBAL GMBH

AI summary

A kink angle sensor arrangement for a vehicle combination includes a connecting element with a longitudinal center axis, a first articulation piece on the connecting element, and a second articulation piece for connection to a towing or towed vehicle. The first articulation piece is configured to be mounted rotatably on the second articulation piece such that the first articulation piece can twist about a second axis of rotation with respect to the second articulation piece. The arrangement includes a first coupling piece configured to be detachably mechanically connected to a second coupling piece to prevent twisting of the first coupling piece with respect to the second coupling piece, and a sensor system configured to detect a rotated position and/or a rotational movement of the first articulation piece, and to generate and output a sensor signal characterizing the rotated position and/or the rotational movement of the first articulation piece.