Trailer Kingpin Spring Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing kingpin devices for trailer steering systems are prone to damage and misalignment, leading to potential accidents due to the large swiveling radius of articulated lorries, where the axles of the semi-trailer do not follow the towing vehicle's path during cornering, and existing solutions have not adequately protected the swivel vane from damage during coupling and uncoupling.
Innovation Solution
A kingpin device with a V-shaped drive-in opening for the swivel flag, supported by spring elements that maintain alignment and protect the flag from damage, ensuring reliable operation even if the pivoting vane breaks, and a spring housing that houses the spring element separately from the kingpin, reducing exposure to dirt and water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the swivel flag is exposed to detect relative angle during cornering, then the steering function is enabled, but the swivel flag is damaged during coupling and uncoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective housing that encloses the swivel flag and a spring mechanism that absorbs impact forces during coupling and uncoupling operations. The housing with spring cushioning is pre-installed to prevent damage before it occurs, allowing the swivel flag to maintain its steering detection function while being protected from mechanical damage during coupling/uncoupling cycles
2Measurement precision
If the swivel flag is positioned to detect angle changes, then steering control is achieved, but misalignment and damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective housing as an intermediary structure that houses the swivel flag and spring mechanism. This housing serves as a mediator between the swivel flag and external forces during coupling, maintaining proper alignment while protecting against misalignment and damage. The spring mechanism within the housing further mediates impact forces, ensuring the swivel flag remains properly positioned for accurate angle detection
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spring element is exposed to enable relative movement, then flexibility is achieved, but wear-related damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spring element from direct exposure to the external environment by enclosing it within a protective housing. The housing is designed with an opening that allows the swivel flag to move while keeping the spring element protected inside. This separation allows the spring to maintain its flexibility function for enabling relative movement during coupling/uncoupling while being protected from dirt, water, and wear that would otherwise reduce its durability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly reduces the risk of swivel vane damage and enhances operational reliability by maintaining the trailer axles in a straight-ahead position in case of a mechanical failure, preventing uncontrolled turning and protecting the spring element from wear-related damage.
Implementation Method 1
Due to its elasticity, the at least one spring element enables a relative movement of the swivel vane together with a fifth wheel coupling of the towing vehicle in relation to the king pin fixed in a stationary manner on the semi-trailer when driving through a curve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A kingpin device for a semi-trailer steering system is described, comprising a kingpin (1) at the upper end (2) of which a mounting plate (3) and at the lower end (4) of which a finishing collar (5) is formed, wherein the kingpin (1) has a bore (6) extending from the mounting plate (3) to the finishing collar (5), in which a shaft (7) is arranged, the upper shaft end (8) of which extends at least to the mounting plate (3) and the lower shaft end (9) of which is led out of the finishing collar (5), wherein a connecting rod (10) engages the lower shaft end (9) in a rotationally fixed manner, which carries a pivot flag (11) radially spaced from the kingpin (1).The invention was based on the objective of providing a kingpin device which, on the one hand, significantly reduces the risk of misalignment and the resulting damage to the pivot flag (11) and, on the other hand, increases the operational reliability of the kingpin device. This objective is achieved according to the invention by providing at least one spring element (12) which, with its first section (13), engages the upper shaft end (8) and always aligns the pivot flag (11) in a predetermined initial position when unloaded.