Methods and systems for monitoring coupling of fifth wheels to kingpins
US11731471B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2500/7102
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fifth wheel system includes a fifth wheel configured to couple to a kingpin of a towed trailer such that vibrations are generated when the fifth wheel couples to the kingpin. A sensor in operative association with the fifth wheel and configured to sense the vibrations and generates vibration data. A controller receives the vibration data and processes the vibration data to detect a presence or an absence of a predetermined vibration component that occurs when the fifth wheel properly couples to the kingpin. An indicator indicates proper coupling of the fifth wheel to the kingpin when the predetermined vibration component is present.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.