Tractor-Trailer Interconnection with Fixed Pin and Horizontal Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fifth wheel/pin interconnection systems for heavy vehicles fail to provide reliable automatic or intrinsic electrical interconnection, which is crucial for durability and reliability in vehicles covering millions of kilometers with semi-trailers.
Innovation Solution
A fixed coupling between the pin and the fifth wheel is introduced, allowing no degree of freedom, enabling simultaneous mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical connections, with a locking mechanism ensuring mutual rotation is prevented, and using transceivers for synchronized lighting control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed coupling between pin and fifth wheel is used to enable automatic electrical interconnection, then reliability of electrical connection is improved, but device complexity increases due to locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical locking function and electrical connection function into a single integrated system. The locking device simultaneously secures the pin in the fifth wheel and establishes electrical contact through integrated contacts, eliminating the need for separate manual electrical connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is designed to automatically establish electrical contact when the mechanical coupling is formed. The electrical contacts are positioned such that they engage automatically during the pin insertion process, making the electrical interconnection self-service without requiring manual intervention.
2Reliability
If pin and fifth wheel are fixedly coupled to prevent mutual rotation, then reliability of pneumatic connection is improved, but ability to accommodate deviation angles is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coupling system into two functional segments: a fixed coupling section (pin and fifth wheel) that ensures reliable pneumatic and electrical connections, and a separate articulation section (horizontal hinge between fifth wheel and tractor frame) that provides the necessary angular deviation capability. This segmentation allows each segment to optimize its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal hinge acts as an intermediary element between the fixed pin-fifth wheel coupling and the tractor frame. It mediates between the requirement for fixed coupling (to ensure connection reliability) and the need for angular adaptability, allowing the system to maintain both properties simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If manual electrical and pneumatic connections are used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to manual connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical and pneumatic connection elements are pre-positioned and integrated into the coupling structure before the actual connection operation. The electrical contacts and pneumatic ducts are arranged such that they automatically engage when the pin is inserted into the fifth wheel, eliminating the need for separate manual connection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple connection functions (mechanical towing, pneumatic connection, and electrical connection) into a single integrated coupling operation. All connections are established simultaneously through one action of inserting the pin into the fifth wheel and engaging the locking mechanism, dramatically reducing the time required compared to separate manual connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanical interconnection system between a tractor (TR) and a semi-trailer (RM) comprising - a fifth wheel (RL) adapted to be connected to a first frame (TRF) of said tractor unit and having a seat (SD) for a pin and - a pin (PN) adapted to be connected to a second frame (RMF) of said semi-trailer and complementary to said seat (SD) of said fifth wheel (RL), wherein said fifth wheel is connected to said frame so as to be able to oscillate transversally (OT) and longitudinally (OL) with respect to a longitudinal development (Z1) of said tractor, wherein said fifth wheel comprises a locking device (LK) adapted to completely lock said pin in said seat and in which said interconnection system comprises a horizontal hinge (ES, CO), to allow a deviation in the horizontal plane of said tractor with respect to a longitudinal development (Z2) of said semi-trailer, arranged in a point between said fifth wheel and said first frame and/or between said pin and said second frame.