Smart Fifth-Wheel Hitch for Autonomous Trailer Air and Power Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous cargo vehicles face challenges in coupling and decoupling air supply and electrical connections between the tractor unit and trailer, especially in scenarios where no human is present to manually perform these tasks, making efficient transportation inefficient or unfeasible.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fifth-wheel configuration with a clamp mechanism and connection surfaces for pneumatic and electrical connections, along with sensors and automated landing gear, enables autonomous coupling and decoupling of trailers, allowing for secure and reliable connectivity even in the absence of a human operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual connection methods are used for air supply and electrical connectors, then the system structure remains simple, but the operation requires human intervention which is not feasible for fully autonomous vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions (air supply connection, electrical connection, and mechanical coupling) into a single integrated fifth-wheel assembly. This merging allows the autonomous vehicle to perform all connections through one automated mechanism rather than requiring separate systems for each function, thus improving automation extent while controlling overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fifth-wheel assembly is designed to autonomously perform the coupling operation without human intervention. The automated landing gear and integrated connection mechanisms enable the vehicle to service itself by automatically connecting air supply lines and electrical connectors when coupling with a trailer, eliminating the need for manual operation.
2Ease of operation
If automated coupling systems are implemented, then human intervention is eliminated, but the system complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fifth-wheel assembly is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: mechanical coupling, air supply connection, and electrical connection. By making the fifth-wheel multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby improving ease of operation while actually simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to having multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fifth-wheel assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: the clamp mechanism for mechanical coupling, the pneumatic connection section for air supply, and the electrical connection section for electrical connectors. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete fifth-wheel assembly, improving both ease of operation and ease of manufacture.
3Productivity
If separate connection systems are used for air supply and electrical connections, then each system can be optimized independently, but the overall coupling process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air supply connection and electrical connection into a single integrated fifth-wheel assembly that operates as one unified system during coupling. This allows both connections to be established simultaneously in a single automated operation, significantly improving coupling speed while the modular internal structure keeps the actual device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology relates to autonomous vehicles having hitched or towed trailers for transporting cargo and other items between locations. Aspects of the technology provide a smart hitch connection between the fifth-wheel of a tractor unit and the kingpin of a trailer. This avoids requiring a person to make physical pneumatic and electrical connections between the fifth-wheel and kingpin using external hoses and cables. Instead, the necessary connections are made internally, autonomously. For instance, the fifth-wheel may provide air pressure via one or more slots arranged on a connection surface, and the trailer is configured to receive the air pressure through one or more openings on a contact surface of the kingpin. An electrical connection section of the fifth-wheel may also provide electrical signals and/or power to an electrical contact interface of the kingpin. Rotational information about relative alignment of the trailer to the tractor unit may also be provided.