Sliding Fifth Wheel Steering for Trailer Turning Circle Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer steering systems face challenges in accommodating increased vehicle lengths without exceeding the limitations of the turning circle, which is a requirement for vehicle homologation in various regions.
Innovation Solution
A trailer steering system that includes a sliding rail mounted on the vehicle frame, a slider carrying the fifth wheel, and a control device that adjusts the position of the slider based on the current steering angle of the vehicle, allowing for lateral movement of the fifth wheel to optimize trailer alignment during turns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the vehicle length is extended to increase payload capacity, then the payload capacity is improved, but the turning radius exceeds the regulatory limits
Solution Approach 1:
The fifth wheel is made dynamically adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle through a motor-driven positioning system. The control unit continuously adjusts the fifth wheel position based on real-time steering angle data from sensors, enabling the coupling point to move forward or backward to optimize the turning radius while maintaining the extended vehicle length for increased payload capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle length is extended for storage or payload purposes, then the utility is improved, but the turning circle test compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adaptation of the vehicle-trailer coupling geometry by automatically adjusting the fifth wheel position according to steering angle. This allows the extended vehicle configuration to maintain compliance with turning circle requirements while preserving the additional storage or payload utility provided by the extended length.
3Device complexity
If the fifth wheel position is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the maneuverability under large steering angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fifth wheel positioning system incorporates a motor-driven actuator controlled by a control unit that receives steering angle signals. This dynamic positioning capability significantly improves maneuverability under large steering angles by optimally positioning the fifth wheel, while the automated control system manages the added complexity without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensors to continuously monitor the steering angle and provides feedback to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the fifth wheel position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing steering conditions in real-time, optimizing maneuverability while managing system complexity through automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for steering a trailer include the trailer being coupled to a fifth wheel of a motor vehicle. A trailer steering system for the motor vehicle includes a sliding rail mounted on a vehicle frame of the motor vehicle and extending along a lateral direction of the motor vehicle, a slider slidingly arranged on the sliding rail and carrying the fifth wheel for coupling the trailer to the motor vehicle, and a control device configured to control movement of the slider along the sliding rail depending on a current steering angle of the motor vehicle.