DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the technical field of a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle. More particularly it is relating to the device for coupling auxiliary wheel of the heavy commercial vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Transport sector is of great importance as it accounts for a share of 6.4 per cent in India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A major problem faced by truck industry is the discomfort, predominantly experienced by drivers due to extended duration driving and current invention resolves the same.
[0004] The issue mentioned/problem stated above occurred in tractor trucks as a result of high amplitude pitching of Fifth wheel system. Tractor trailer consists of two or more separate frames that are adjoined by a fifth wheel coupler. Fifth wheel includes a lower half, consisting of a trunnion (pivot assembly) plate and latching mechanism, mounted on the truck tractor for connection with a kingpin mounted on the semitrailer.
[0005] In the existing fifth wheel coupler, the upper and lower plates of fifth wheel are in direct contact having no absorbing element between them. Vehicle when running on off terrains experienced excessive vibrations produced in vertical and lateral direction and were transferred from the trailer kingpin to the cabin deteriorating its stability poorly.
[0006] Further this worsens the ride comfort of the driver and also lowers the drivability uptime. The ride comfort here is measured by calculating the Ride Comfort Index (RCI) of the vehicle. Ride comfort refers to human tolerance to vibration exposure over time. It has different values on different classes of roads.
[0007] Ride Comfort Index (RCI) values on different class of roads A, C and cemented was found to be 7.8 RCI for a Baseline Truck after survey. It confirms that after maximum of 7.8 hours, a stoppage is much needed by the driver to continue the ride comfortably.
[0008] Therefore, Ride Comfort Index needs to be improved and a more efficient solution is required to enhance driving uptime and comfort riding of the vehicle.
[0009] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0010] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0011] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a cost-effective device for coupling the auxiliary wheel of vehicle.
[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle to have RCI obtained for fully floating fifth wheel coupler is found to be 9.6 RCI whereas previously it was 7.8 RCI.
[0014] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle to since RCI value is improved by 10%, drivability is enhanced as compared to earlier.
[0015] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle with high amplitude pitching in existing system is reduced by mounting coil springs in new fully floating model.
[0016] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle with vibration isolation increased by 20%, improvement in cab stability in lateral and vertical directions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] A device for coupling auxiliary wheel of the heavy commercial vehicle comprising fifth wheel coupling system with defined RCI; wherein fifth wheel coupling system further comprises of total 4 coil springs i.e. 2 of them are at placed rear end and 2 at front end which makes the system completely suspended, b) RCI obtained for fully floating fifth wheel coupler is found to be 9.6 RCI whereas previously it was 7.8 RCI. The RCI value is improved by 10%, drivability is enhanced as compared to earlier.
[0018] The device for coupling auxiliary wheel of the heavy commercial vehicle is having coil springs absorb the high amplitude pitching vibrations coming from the trailer and isolate them.
[0019] The device for coupling auxiliary wheel of the heavy commercial vehicle with vibration isolation increased by 20%, improvement in cab stability in lateral and vertical directions.
[0020] In another embodiment, the present subject matter discloses a method of manufacturing the same.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary view of a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary view of a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary view of a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary view of a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary view of a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary view of a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary view of a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary view of a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary view of a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary view of a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary view of a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0034] Analyzing the present-day situation, there is an unmet need of improving cabin stability and developing an efficient Fifth wheel coupling system is the solution to it. In order to reduce the generated acceleration levels, dynamic forces and stresses developed in the vehicle, a fully floating fifth wheel is designed.
[0035] Fully floating fifth wheel coupling system comprises of total 4 coil springs i.e. 2 of them are at placed rear end and 2 at front end which makes the system completely suspended. Application of coil springs absorb the high amplitude pitching vibrations coming from the trailer and isolate them. Vibration isolation prevents or reduces the vibration transmission to the cabin, thus improving cabin stability. This in turn improves the ride comfort of the driver and thus enhances drivability uptime.
[0036] Design and construction of coil springs – coil springs are designed to take up pitching loads. Springs are placed strategically to absorb vibrations during vehicle dynamic travels. Front and rear springs are separately designed with respective stiffnesses, find the below images for both front and rear coil-springs.
[0037] Shorter front coil spring with 12m wire dia., with total length of 80 mm and max. outer coil dia. Of 72 mm with total number of coils of 4.
[0038] Longer rear coil spring with 12mm wire dia. with total length of 160 mm and max. outer coil dia. of 60mm with total number of coils of 7.
[0039] Arrangements of springs: Fully suspended coupler is supported by different type of coil springs at front and rear with lateral restriction guide plates. This will not allow springs to move out of specific location on base plate.
[0040] Mounting details of spring guide rods: Guide rods of different lengths are placed at all corners for different type of springs locating and alignment at all dynamic movement of vehicle. Heights of guide are precisely set to ensure limited pitching of 5th wheel coupler and better life of springs
[0041] After trial, Ride Comfort Index (RCI) values for fully floating fifth wheel coupler on different classes of road A, C and cemented is found to be 9.0 RCI which has increased substantially by 10% when compared to existing coupler.

Road Class A C Cement Laden RC Index(Hrs)
Customer Utilization Matrix(%) 60 10 30 RCI
Baseline Truck 9.0 9.0 5.0 7.8
Suspended Fifth Wheel 9.5 9.0 8.0 9.0

Suspended Fifth wheel + Modified FR & RR Cab Damper

10
9.5
8
9.0

S.no Feature Fully Floating Fifth Wheel
1 System
Details Coil Springs are attached on lower plate at Front and Rear end of Fifth wheel for making the system fully floating. There is no metal-to-metal contact.
Here is also latching mechanism is used.

2

Dimensions
Length – 914mm
Breadth – 807mm
Inclined angle – 13°

3

Installation

Coil Springs attached at front and rear end of lower plate of the Fifth wheel coupler.
Support plate and reinforcements. Using latching mechanism, mounted on the truck tractor for connection with a kingpin mounted on the semitrailer.

[0042] Existing system had no absorbing element whereas new coupler is designed with coil springs at front and rear ends that absorbs excessive vibrations.
[0043] To maximize the absorbing capacity of coil springs, support plates and reinforcements are provided.
[0044] Rubber stoppers in existing coupler are being substituted by stoppers in fully floating model.
[0045] RCI value is improved by 10%, by the introduction of coil springs in system which makes it fully floating.
[0046] Life of the system is proven to be better, due to the reduced articulations in vertical and lateral directions.
[0047] Vibration isolation is increased by 20% by mounting coil springs in the fifth wheel coupler which facilitates the ride comfort.
[0048] Invention has utility in next generation products on the new platform in VE Commercial Vehicle Heavy Duty Tractor Trailer range along with the current range. New products will be launched with this invention and existing problem will be modified by incorporating the invention, once it passes the validation.
[0049] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprise” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0050] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0051] The present disclosure provides a cost-effective device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle.
[0052] The present disclosure provides a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle to have RCI obtained for fully floating fifth wheel coupler is found to be 9.6 RCI whereas previously it was 7.8 RCI.
[0053] The present disclosure provides a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle to since RCI value is improved by 10%, drivability is enhanced as compared to earlier.
[0054] The present disclosure provides a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle with high amplitude pitching in existing system is reduced by mounting coil springs in new fully floating model.
[0055] The present disclosure provides a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle with vibration isolation increased by 20%, improvement in cab stability in lateral and vertical directions.
Yours Faithfully

ANIL KUMAR PANDEY
(IN P/A 2359)
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT(S)
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
A device for coupling auxiliary wheel of the heavy commercial vehicle comprising:
a) fifth wheel coupling system with defined RCI; wherein fifth wheel coupling system further comprises of total 4 coil springs i.e. 2 of them are at placed rear end and 2 at front end which makes the system completely suspended;
b) RCI obtained for fully floating fifth wheel coupler is found to be 9.6 RCI whereas previously it was 7.8 RCI.
2. The device for coupling auxiliary wheel of the heavy commercial vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coil springs absorb the high amplitude pitching vibrations coming from the trailer and isolate them.
3. The device for coupling auxiliary wheel of the heavy commercial vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle with vibration isolation increased by 20%, improvement in cab stability in lateral and vertical directions.
4. The device for coupling auxiliary wheel of the heavy commercial vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein RCI value is improved by 10%, drivability is enhanced as compared to earlier.
5. A method of manufacturing a device for coupling auxiliary wheel of the heavy commercial vehicle comprising:
a) fifth wheel coupling system with defined RCI; wherein fifth wheel coupling system further comprises of total 4 coil springs i.e. 2 of them are at placed rear end and 2 at front end which makes the system completely suspended;
b) RCI obtained for fully floating fifth wheel coupler is found to be 9.6 RCI whereas previously it was 7.8 RCI.
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said coil springs absorb the high amplitude pitching vibrations coming from the trailer and isolate them.
7. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein device for coupling auxiliary wheel of vehicle with vibration isolation increased by 20%, improvement in cab stability in lateral and vertical directions.
8. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein RCI value is improved by 10%, drivability is enhanced as compared to earlier.

Dated 11th day of March 2024

Yours Faithfully

ANIL KUMAR PANDEY
(IN P/A 2359)
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT(S)