Patent classifications
B62D53/0835
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE HAVING ROTATABLE FIFTH WHEEL
A terminal tractor includes a fifth wheel coupling which is rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the terminal tractor such that an opening in the fifth wheel coupling may be reoriented depending on the terminal tractor's direction of approach to a semi-trailer.
TRAILER ASSEMBLY
A trailer assembly with improved lateral support structure and steering system control of the axial wheels on a front elongated trailer and a rear elongated trailer to remain in a collinear following configuration to carry elongated loads extending over the extended lengths of the combination of the front elongated trailer and the rear elongated trailer and allow ready turning control.
Breakaway fifth wheel coupling
A breakaway fifth wheel coupling may couple a semi-tractor to a semi-trailer. In one embodiment, a breakaway fifth wheel coupling may include a top plate, a bottom brace, and a release mechanism that releasably attaches the top plate to the bottom brace. When a rollover event is detected, the release mechanism may allow the top plate to release from the bottom brace, thereby allowing the semi-tractor to separate from the semi-trailer. The fifth wheel coupling may include a pair of pivot rails that promote consistent decoupling of the top plate from the bottom brace. The breakaway fifth wheel coupling may reduce the likelihood of the semi-tractor participating in a rollover accident.
Fifth wheel control arrangements for articulated vehicles
A fifth wheel control arrangement (100) for an articulated vehicle comprising a fifth wheel having a biased hinge joint and an actuator (115) arranged to control a biasing force and/or a damping force of the biased hinge joint. The control arrangement comprises a control unit configured to automatically control the actuator in response to one or more input sensor signals associated with a current state of the articulated vehicle, to obtain a target wheel axle load of the articulated vehicle and/or to stabilize the articulated vehicle.