Patent ID: 6302424
Filing Date: 2001-10-16
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A force-sensing fifth wheel assembly comprising:a fifth wheel having a left-side pocket and a right-side pocket in the lower side thereof for receiving a force-sensing unit in each pocket; anda force-sensing unit mounted in each pocket, each force-sensing unit including a first pair of vertical sensors positioned forward of the lateral axis of the fifth wheel and a second pair of vertical sensors positioned rearwardly of the lateral axis of the fifth wheel, a first pair of horizontal sensors positioned forward of the lateral axis of the fifth wheel and a second pair of horizontal sensors positioned rearwardly of the lateral axis of the fifth wheel such that said force-sensing units provide eight channels of force-sensing information for use in determining total vertical load, longitudinal load, roll, pitch and yaw information with respect to the coupling of a trailer to the tractor.