Trailer Axle Alignment Measurement Using Tow Vehicle Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The measurement and alignment of trailer or semi-trailer axles is a time-consuming process that requires frequent lifting and repositioning of sensors, which can be inefficient and labor-intensive, especially for multi-axle configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows for the measurement and adjustment of axle alignment while the trailer or semi-trailer remains coupled to the tow vehicle, using a reference point established at the axial midpoint of the tow vehicle's rearmost axle and alignment sensors or optical targets to measure and adjust thrust and scrub angles sequentially, reducing the need for lifting and sensor repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the traditional method using kingpin reference point is used to measure and align trailer axles, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires frequent lifting and repositioning of sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference system consisting of a reference line established between the kingpin and the lateral midpoint of the trailer frame, along with a reference gauge that can be positioned at multiple locations. This intermediary reference system allows measurements to be taken from various points without requiring sensor repositioning, as all measurements reference back to this established line. The reference gauge acts as a mediator that can be used at different axles while maintaining consistent reference to the same alignment line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes the reference line and reference gauge position in advance before beginning the actual axle alignment measurements. By pre-establishing this reference system, the measurement process can proceed continuously without stopping to reposition sensors or re-establish references. The preliminary setup includes positioning the reference gauge and establishing the reference line once, then using this fixed reference for all subsequent measurements across multiple axles.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are repositioned between axles to measure alignment, then comprehensive measurement coverage is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal reference system that can be used for measuring alignment of any axle on the trailer without requiring different measurement approaches for different axles. The reference line and reference gauge serve multiple functions: they provide the reference for thrust angle measurements, scrub angle measurements, and can be used with any axle in the sequence. This multi-functional reference system eliminates the need to reposition sensors between axles, as the same reference system serves all measurement needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a point-based reference system (single kingpin point) to a line-based reference system (reference line extending between kingpin and frame midpoint). This dimensional change allows the reference to be accessed from multiple locations along the line without moving the reference itself. The reference gauge can be positioned at different points along this line or used with different axles while maintaining reference to the same alignment line, providing comprehensive coverage without repositioning.
3Ease of operation
If the trailer is uncoupled from the tow vehicle for alignment measurement, then access to the kingpin reference point is improved, but productivity decreases due to additional setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the alignment measurement system to serve itself by using the existing tow vehicle-trailer connection as part of the reference system. Rather than requiring uncoupling to access the kingpin, the system uses the kingpin position in conjunction with the trailer frame midpoint to establish the reference line, which then serves as the basis for all measurements. The system adapts to work with the trailer in its normal coupled state, eliminating the need for uncoupling while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A procedure for measuring and adjusting an alignment of each axle of a trailer or semi-trailer while the trailer or semi-trailer is coupled to a tow vehicle by a hitch, tow bar, kingpin, or fifth wheel hitch. Measurements of the alignment of each axle of the trailer or semi-trailer are acquired from wheel-mounted sensor means utilizing either directly or indirectly a reference line of the trailer and an established reference point on the tow vehicle. A thrust angle of a first trailer or semi-trailer axle is referenced directly to the established reference line, while scrub angles associated with additional trailer or semi-trailer axles are referenced either directly or indirectly to the first trailer or semi-trailer axle, and indirectly to the established reference point. Any necessary adjustments are made to the first trailer or semi-trailer axle to bring the axle thrust angle to within a specification tolerance, and then to the scrub angle of each additional axle.