Pivotable Fifth Wheel Coupling for Crawler Transporter Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crawler transporters experience reduced traction and impaired steerability when navigating rough terrain due to the semi-trailer lifting on one side, causing an uneven contact area and power transmission loss, especially when transitioning from level to inclined areas.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device and control system with an inclination actuator adjust the pivotable fifth wheel coupling to compensate for inclinations, ensuring continuous ground contact and traction, with the fifth wheel being freely pivotable and adjustable in a plane spanned by the longitudinal and transverse axes, and equipped with a hydraulic lifting device for height and longitudinal adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the crawler transporter uses a fixed fifth wheel coupling to transport semi-trailers, then the coupling structure is simple, but the crawler transporter experiences reduced traction and impaired steerability when navigating rough terrain due to semi-trailer lifting on one side
Solution Approach 1:
The fifth wheel coupling is made pivotable about a transverse axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation in response to terrain variations. This dynamic adjustment prevents the semi-trailer from lifting on one side during inclined driving, thereby maintaining consistent contact area and power transmission while resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect inclination parameters and provide feedback to a control device, which automatically adjusts the fifth wheel coupling angle via an inclination actuator. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the coupling adapts to terrain changes in real-time, maintaining optimal traction and steerability without requiring complex manual intervention
2Reliability
If the fifth wheel coupling is made pivotable to compensate for transverse inclines, then traction and steerability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional actuators and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable fifth wheel coupling is designed to automatically respond to terrain inclines through its inherent mechanical pivotability, allowing the semi-trailer to naturally guide the coupling angle adjustment. This self-adjusting mechanism reduces the need for complex active control systems while maintaining improved traction and steerability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the crawler transporter operates on inclined terrain with a coupled semi-trailer, then the transport capability is extended to rough terrain, but the semi-trailer causes one-sided lifting reducing contact area and power transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable fifth wheel coupling dynamically adjusts its angle in response to terrain inclines, allowing the semi-trailer to tilt with the slope rather than remain horizontal. This dynamic adaptation prevents one-sided lifting of the crawler transporter, maintaining full contact area and power transmission capability while enabling operation on rough terrain
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the weight of the semi-trailer itself as a counterbalancing element, where the pivotable coupling allows the semi-trailer's weight to naturally counteract the lifting force on inclined terrain. This passive counterweight mechanism maintains power transmission without requiring additional active compensation systems
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
This solution maintains sufficient traction and prevents lifting, even on rough terrain, ensuring stable transport and preventing skidding, while allowing for versatile semi-trailer coupling and direct loading capabilities with a low center of gravity.
Implementation Method 1
equipped with a hydraulic lifting device for height and longitudinal adjustments
Implementation Method 2
the sensor device detecting inclination parameters of the crawler transporter and/or the semi-trailer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a transporting continuous track (1), comprising a chassis (2) and a semitrailer coupling (3) arranged on the chassis (2) for accommodating a coupling device (4) of a semitrailer (5). The semitrailer coupling (3) is arranged on the chassis (2) in such a way that the semitrailer coupling is pitovably supported along a transverse axis (8) of the transporting continuous track (1). The semitrailer coupling (3) is arranged on the chassis (2) in such a way that the semitrailer coupling can be moved longitudinally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the transporting continuous track (1). The semitrailer coupling (3) is arranged on the chassis (2) in such a way that the semitrailer coupling can be height-adjusted with respect to a height axis of the transporting continuous track (1). The semitrailer coupling (3) has a fixing device, by means of which an inclination of the semitrailer coupling (3) can be fixed.