UWB Coupling State Sensing for Kingpin Detection in Dirty Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor monitoring systems for coupling between trailers and towing vehicles, particularly between kingpins and coupling plates, are unreliable due to interference from lubrication agents and metal chips, requiring multiple sensors and being prone to faults in dirty conditions.
Innovation Solution
An ultra-wideband sensor system using M-sequence technology is integrated into the towing vehicle or trailer, capable of detecting the relative position of coupling elements with high accuracy and robustness, even in soiled conditions, reducing the number of sensors needed and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inductive sensors or Hall sensors are used for monitoring coupling state, then the coupling process can be sensor-monitored, but the sensor function is impaired by lubrication agents and metal chips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical sensors (inductive sensors, Hall sensors) with a contactless radar-based detection system. The radar sensor emits electromagnetic waves that reflect off the coupling elements, allowing detection of coupling state without physical contact. This eliminates the problem of lubrication agents and metal chips interfering with sensor function, as the electromagnetic waves are not affected by these contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary medium for detecting the coupling state. Instead of using sensors that directly contact or closely approach the coupling elements (where they would be affected by lubrication and metal chips), the radar sensor uses electromagnetic waves to indirectly detect the position and state of coupling elements from a distance, thus avoiding the harmful environment.
2Reliability
If multiple distributed sensors are used for reliable recognition of coupling state, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single radar sensor perform multiple detection functions that previously required multiple specialized sensors. The radar sensor can detect the position of the coupling element, determine coupling state (coupled, uncoupled, or faulty), and identify the presence of obstacles, all through one device. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of sensors needed while maintaining or improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical/magnetic field measurements (which are sensitive to contaminants) to electromagnetic wave reflection measurements. By using radar waves with specific frequencies and analyzing their reflection properties, the system can reliably detect coupling state without being affected by lubrication agents or metal chips, allowing a single sensor to provide reliable detection.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If contact-based sensors are used in the coupling region, then coupling state can be detected, but the sensors are affected by soiled conditions and metal chips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical or electromagnetic sensors with a contactless radar detection system. The radar sensor remains positioned away from the coupling region, emitting electromagnetic waves that pass through or around the coupling elements. This allows detection of coupling state without placing sensors in the soiled environment where lubrication agents and metal chips would interfere with sensor operation.
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 ultra-wideband sensor system provides reliable and fault-proof recognition of coupling states, enabling secure and efficient coupling processes, especially in autonomously driving vehicles, with reduced complexity and cost, and improved safety by distinguishing between coupled, uncoupled, and faulty states.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is realized as an ultra-wideband sensor... capable of detecting the relative position of coupling elements with high accuracy
Implementation Method 2
using UWB technology... enables reliable radar recognition of the coupling element
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device for a monitoring of a coupling state of a coupling element, in particular a coupling bolt, preferably a kingpin, of a trailer, in particular a semitrailer, with a corresponding coupling element of a towing vehicle, in particular a semitrailer tractor, with at least one sensor which is at least configured for a recognition, in particular a detection, of a relative position of the coupling elements with respect to each other,wherein the sensor is realized as an ultra-wideband sensor.