Trailer Coupling Height Control Using Chassis Gradient Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling a semi-trailer to a towing vehicle are complex and prone to damage due to unreliable detection of contact between the coupling plate and the semi-trailer's fifth wheel, as changes in actuating speed or height gradient do not always indicate actual contact.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a leveling system to adjust the chassis height relative to the rear axle, using a reference height profile and gradient to reliably detect contact by comparing actual and reference gradients, ensuring the coupling plate and fifth wheel align without initial contact, and utilizing existing vehicle sensors for plausibility checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a change in actuating speed or height gradient is used to detect contact between the coupling plate and fifth wheel, then the coupling process can be automated, but the detection reliability deteriorates because the change does not necessarily result from actual contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the reference height gradient before the coupling process begins. This reference value is stored and used later for comparison during the actual coupling operation, enabling reliable contact detection without requiring complex real-time analysis of actuating speed changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the actual height gradient during the coupling process and compares it with the pre-stored reference height gradient. When a deviation exceeds a threshold value, the system identifies this as contact between the coupling plate and fifth wheel, providing reliable feedback for automated control
2Ease of operation
If the chassis height is continuously adjusted during coupling, then the coupling plate can be brought closer to the fifth wheel, but the complexity of the control process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling system automatically adjusts the chassis height based on the comparison between actual and reference height gradients. The system self-regulates the coupling process by autonomously controlling the height adjustment without requiring complex manual intervention or sophisticated control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical coupling adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses height gradient measurement and comparison. This substitution simplifies the overall control process by using sensor-based feedback rather than mechanical linkages
3Productivity
If manual adjustment of the coupling plate height is required, then the coupling process can be performed without complex sensors, but the time required for coupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The height gradient sensor system serves multiple functions: it monitors the coupling process, detects contact between components, and provides feedback for automated control. This multi-functionality enables fast automated coupling without requiring multiple separate sensor systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses changes in the height gradient parameter as the primary indicator for coupling status. By monitoring this single parameter and comparing it against a reference value, the system achieves fast automated detection without complex sensor arrays or multiple measurement parameters
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for coupling a trailer (1b) to a towing vehicle (1a), wherein the towing vehicle (1a) has a level control system (10), it being possible to modify a height of the chassis (2) in relation to at least one rear axle (11) of the towing vehicle (1a) by actuating the level control system (10), comprising at least the following steps: - reading in a reference height characteristic, wherein the reference height characteristic assigns a reference height gradient to different actual height values (HIst) for the height of the chassis (2) in relation to the at least one rear axle (11); - modifying the height of the chassis (2) in relation to the at least one rear axle (11) and continually ascertaining actual height values (HIst) and actual height gradients while modifying the height (H) of the chassis (2) in relation to the at least one rear axle (11), the currently ascertained actual height gradient being assigned to an actual height value (HIst); - checking a coupling criterion by comparing a currently ascertained actual height gradient with a reference height gradient from the read-in reference height characteristic; - maintaining the height of the chassis (2) in relation to the at least one rear axle (11) when the coupling criterion is met, the coupling criterion being met when the currently ascertained actual height gradient differs from the reference height gradient.