Apparatus and methods for inhibiting jackknifing of articulated vehicles
US5259640A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D53/0878
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The tractor mounts a passive damping constraint system and a fifth wheel brake between the fifth wheel and tractor frame. The fifth wheel is secured to the trailer for rotation therewith relative to the tractor. The constraint system passively resists rotary movement of the trailer and tractor about the kingpin. Upon reaching a predetermined angular relation indicative of a jackknife condition, the fifth wheel brake system is actuated and the driver alerted. Upon manual braking, the fifth wheel brake and passive damping constraint systems are deactuated. Where hard braking is required, the fifth wheel braking system is again activated to assist the driver to prevent the jackknife condition. The fifth wheel braking and passive damping constraint systems are deactivated upon actuation of the turn signals. To prevent the trailer from over-running the tractor, switches are activated upon relative longitudinal movement of the trailer and tractor to actuate the trailer brakes to prevent the trailer from over-running the tractor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.