Modular Fifth Wheel Coupling Plate for Load-Adaptive Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fifth wheel couplings face challenges in achieving a lightweight design while maintaining sufficient strength, leading to high vehicle curb weight, increased fuel consumption, and unfavorable emissions, necessitating the production of multiple versions for different load cases.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece steel coupling plate with detachable stiffening elements that can be added or removed based on expected loads, utilizing a ribbed structure and multiple connecting means to enhance flexural rigidity, and incorporating plastic components where feasible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid steel coupling plate is used to ensure sufficient strength, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling plate is divided into a base plate and detachable stiffening elements. The base plate has a reduced weight design, while stiffening elements can be added segmentally to achieve the required strength for different load cases, avoiding the need for a fully solid steel plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling plate transitions from a static solid steel design to a dynamic modular structure where stiffening elements can be attached or removed based on operational requirements. This allows the structural properties to adapt to varying load conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of coupling plates are produced for different load cases, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single base plate design serves multiple load cases through the optional attachment of different stiffening elements. This universal base plate eliminates the need to produce multiple specialized coupling plate versions for different load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling plate system is segmented into a universal base plate and optional stiffening elements. This segmentation allows the same base plate to be used across different applications, with stiffness requirements met by selectively adding elements rather than producing entirely different plate versions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the coupling plate weight is reduced to minimize vehicle curb weight, then the fuel consumption is improved, but the strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling plate is segmented into a lightweight base plate and optional stiffening elements. This allows the base plate to be optimized for minimal weight to reduce fuel consumption, while strength requirements are met by adding stiffening elements only when and where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly increasing the weight of the entire coupling plate to ensure strength, stiffening elements are applied locally at specific positions where additional strength is required. This local reinforcement approach minimizes the overall weight increase while maintaining sufficient strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling plate (10) for a fifth wheel coupling (20) is described, wherein the coupling plate (10) has a flat bearing surface (12) on its upper surface (11) and two insertion horns (15) at its rear end (13), which define an insertion opening (14). The insertion opening (14) extends along a longitudinal axis (x) of the coupling plate (10) and terminates in a kingpin bearing area (14a). On its underside (16), the coupling plate (10) is provided with a receiving structure (17) for a bearing block (21) on both sides of the kingpin bearing area (14a) and spaced apart from each other along a transverse axis (y). The invention was therefore based on the objective of providing a standardized coupling plate (10) that has a minimal weight starting from a low load and whose strength can be adapted for higher expected loads.The object is achieved according to the invention by providing at least one connecting means (30a, 30b, 30c) for the detachable attachment of at least one stiffening element (40a, 40b, 40c) on the coupling plate (10) below the planar bearing plane (12).