Patent Publication Number: US-2023134001-A1

Title: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for determining and verifying operational states of fifth wheels

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/776,058, filed Jan. 29, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/805,679 filed Feb. 14, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to fifth wheels, and specifically to determining and verifying operational states of the fifth wheels. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The following U.S. Patents are incorporated herein by reference in entirety. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,138 discloses a mechanism for locking and unlocking of a kingpin of a fifth wheel. The mechanism includes a jaw member, a wedge member, a bumper member and a lever member interconnecting the jaw member, the wedge and the bumper member. A handle member includes a handle extension member. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,174 discloses an interconnection of the jaw, wedge and operating handle in a fifth wheel facilitates the provision of an indicator on a secondary locking mechanism which further ensures the security of the system. The jaw is connected to the operating handle by a pivoting timing lever which pivots off a pin on the jaw such that the jaw remains engaged with the fifth wheel until the wedge is substantially removed from engagement with the jaw. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,735,849 discloses a fifth wheel hitch, a locking mechanism for retaining a trailer kingpin within a fifth wheel slot. The locking mechanism includes a jaw assembly comprised of two opposing jaw members pivotally attached at one end to the underside of the hitch plate, a longitudinally sliding cam interposed between the jaw members with a tip that contacts a bumper. The bumper is pivotally attached to tie bar that has its rear most end pivotally attached to the underside of the hitch plate. The mechanism also includes a wedge member and a secondary lock member pivotally attached thereto, where the lock member has a guide extension inserted through a guide hole in the tie bar. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,558 discloses a secondary lock assembly for a fifth wheel, where the fifth wheel includes a hitch plate with a rearward opening slot to receive a trailer kingpin and a transversely sliding primary locking member for retaining the kingpin within the slot. The assembly comprises a tie bar pivotally connected at its middle to the primary locking member and a transversely oriented pull bar pivotally connected at an inner end to the forward end of the tie bar. The pull bar comprises a rearward offset tab. A latch is pivotally connected roughly at the center of the latch to the forward end of the tie bar. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,302,557 discloses a fifth wheel includes a top plate having a throat that is adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer. The fifth wheel is equipped with a locking mechanism including a jaw slidably connected to the top plate and slidable between a closed position where the jaw blocks passage of a kingpin out of the throat of the fifth wheel and an open position where a kingpin may pass into and out of the throat of the fifth wheel. The jaw has an edge adapted to engage a kingpin positioned in the throat of the fifth wheel when the jaw is in the closed position. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,327,782 discloses a fifth wheel includes a top plate having a throat that is adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer. The fifth wheel is equipped with a locking mechanism including a jaw slidably connected to the top plate and slidable between a closed position where the jaw blocks passage of a kingpin out of the throat of the fifth wheel and an open position where a kingpin may pass into and out of the throat of the fifth wheel. The jaw has an edge adapted to engage a kingpin positioned in the throat of the fifth wheel when the jaw is in the closed position. 
     U.S. Patent No. 9,738,333 discloses a fifth wheel includes a top plate having a throat that is adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer. A pair of locking jaws are pivotally connected to the top plate and pivotal between a closed configuration where the pair of locking jaws block passage of a kingpin out of the throat and the locking jaws are held primarily in compression and an open configuration where a kingpin may pass into and out of the throat. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Disclosure. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In certain examples, a method for determining an operational state of a fifth wheel includes sensing, with at least one sensor, magnetic flux caused by a magnet on a movable component movable to lock the fifth wheel to a kingpin of a towed vehicle, determining an end position of the movable component based on the magnetic flux, comparing the end position of the movable component to a threshold position, and determining an operational state of the fifth wheel based on the comparison of the end position of the movable component to the threshold position. 
     In certain examples, a fifth wheel system includes a fifth wheel configured to couple to a kingpin of a towed trailer and the fifth wheel has a movable component movable to lock the fifth wheel to the kingpin. A magnet is coupled to the movable component, and a sensor is in operative association with the fifth wheel and configured to sense magnetic flux caused by the magnet and generate data corresponding to the magnetic flux as the movable component moves to lock the fifth wheel to the kingpin. A controller is configured to receive the data and process the data to determine an end position of the movable component as the movable component moves, and the controller is further configured to compare the end position of the movable component to a threshold position to thereby determine operational state of the fifth wheel. 
     In certain examples, a method of verifying an operational state of a fifth wheel includes sensing a position of a movable component on a fifth wheel movable to lock the fifth wheel to a kingpin of a towed vehicle, determining a locked state of the fifth wheel based on the sensed position, and monitoring the position of the movable component for a predetermined amount of time after detecting the locked state. If a threshold change in the sensed position of the movable component is detected within the predetermined amount of time, the method includes storing a positive indicator of manual verification of the locked state of the fifth wheel by an operator. 
     In certain examples, a fifth wheel system includes a fifth wheel configured to couple to a kingpin of a towed trailer and the fifth wheel having a movable component movable to lock the fifth wheel to the kingpin. A sensor senses a position of the movable component, and a controller is configured to determine a locked state of the fifth wheel based on the position of the movable component and monitor the position of the movable component for a predetermined amount of time after detecting the locked state and detect a threshold change in the position of the movable component within the predetermined amount of time. The controller then stores a positive indicator of manual verification of the locked state of the fifth wheel by an operator. 
     Various other features, objects, and advantages will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure is described with reference to the following Figures. The same numbers are used throughout the Figures to reference like features and like components. 
         FIG.  1    is a bottom view of an example fifth wheel. An operating arm is shown in a locked position such that a kingpin is locked in the fifth wheel. A pull handle is shown retracted into the fifth wheel. 
         FIG.  2    is a view like  FIG.  1    with the operating arm in an unlocked position such that the kingpin can be removed or inserted into the fifth wheel. The pull handle is shown in an extended position and extending from the fifth wheel. 
         FIG.  3    is an enlarged view within line  3 - 3  on  FIG.  2   . A pawl member is near a stop surface and is adjacent to a linear series of three sensors. 
         FIG.  4    is a view like  FIG.  3    with the pawl member in close proximity to a first sensor and the indicator emitting light having a first color. 
         FIG.  5    is a view like  FIG.  3    with the pawl member in close proximity to a second sensor and the indicator emitting light having a second color. 
         FIG.  6    depicts an example method of the present disclosure for verifying an operational state of the fifth wheel. 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic of an example sensing system of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 A- 8 B  are example graphical representation of potential positions along which a movable component of the fifth wheel may move during the operation of the fifth wheel. 
         FIG.  9    depicts an example method of the present disclosure for determining an operational state of the fifth wheel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DISCLOSURE 
     It is known to connect a towed trailer to a towing vehicle via a connection assembly commonly referred to as a fifth wheel. Specifically, a fifth wheel is a primary locking assembly on the towing vehicle that engages a kingpin of the towed trailer to thereby securely couple the towing vehicle to the towed trailer. Fifth wheels are constructed to avoid/prevent inadvertent disengagement of the kingpin from the fifth wheel. 
       FIGS.  1 - 2    are bottom or underside views of an example fifth wheel  10  of the present disclosure. The fifth wheel  10  has a top plate  12 , a flange  13 , and a throat  14  into which a kingpin  16  of a towed trailer (not shown) is received. The top plate  12  can include a variety of stabilizing and strengthening structures, such as gussets, flanges, ribs, and the like, that strengthen the top plate  12  and the flange  13  and provide point(s) of attachment for various components of the fifth wheel  10 . For example, a bottom plate  44  is coupled to the top plate  12  and defines a lower surface of the throat  14 . The top plate  12  and the flange  13  define a protected space in which operable components of the fifth wheel  10  are positioned. 
     An operating arm  20  is pivotally connected to the top plate  12  at a pivot axis  23 , and the operating arm  20  is pivotable into and between a locked position ( FIG.  1   ) in which the fifth wheel  10  locks onto the kingpin  16  and an unlocked opposition ( FIG.  2   ) in which the fifth wheel  10  unlocks from the kingpin  16  (the locked and unlocked positions are described further herein). The operating arm  20  has a first end  21  pivotally coupled to the top plate  12  at the pivot axis  23  via a mechanical fastener such as a pin for bolt. The first end  21  is adjacent to the throat  14 . The operating arm  20  is elongated between the first end  21  and an opposite, second end  22 . A coil spring  36  biases (e.g., pulls) the operating arm  20  toward the throat  14  in a first direction (see arrow C). 
     A pull handle  90  is coupled to the operating arm  20  and is operable to pivot the operating arm  20  from the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) to the unlocked position ( FIG.  2   ). Specifically, the pull handle  90  is pulled in a second direction (see arrow D) such that the operating arm  20  pivots toward the unlocked position ( FIG.  2   ) and away from the throat  14 . As the operating arm  20  pivots toward the unlocked position ( FIG.  2   ), a wedge  50  and a jaw  60 , which are pivotally coupled to the operating arm  20 , also move away from the throat  14  (see arrow D). Accordingly, the kingpin  16  can be inserted into the throat  14  or removed from throat  14 . When the kingpin  16  is inserted into the throat  14 , the operating arm  20  pivots back to the locked position ( FIG.  1   ), due to the coil spring  36  exerting a pulling force on the operating arm  20 . As the operating arm  20  pivots toward the locked position ( FIG.  1   ), the wedge  50  and the jaw  60  linearly move toward the throat  14  (see arrow C) to thereby lock the fifth wheel  10  onto the kingpin  16  (described further herein). As the wedge  50  and the jaw  60  move toward the throat  14  (see arrow C), the wedge  50  urges the jaw  60  into contact with the kingpin  16  to thereby force the kingpin  16  against a fixed jaw  54  on the top plate  12  and lock the fifth wheel  10  onto the kingpin  16 . 
     The wedge  50  is pivotally coupled to the operating arm  20  between the ends  21 ,  22  of the operating arm  20  with a wedge pin  51  that is received in a first slot  24  of the operating arm  20 . The wedge pin  51  slides in the first slot  24  as the operating arm  20  pivots such that the wedge  50  linearly moves (see direction arrow E). In certain examples, a knock-out assembly  28  is coupled to the top plate  12  and can be actuated to apply a direct force to the wedge  50  to thereby dislodge the wedge  50  and/or the operating arm  20  in the event either component becomes jammed and prevents the release of the kingpin  16  from the fifth wheel  10 . 
     The jaw  60  is also pivotally coupled to the operating arm  20  via a timing lever  70 . The jaw  60  has a jaw pin (not shown) that is received in an elongated slot  76  of the timing lever  70  and a first end  71  pivotally coupled to the operating arm  20  via the wedge pin  51  (see above). As the operating arm  20  pivots, the wedge  50  linearly moves (as described above), the timing lever  70  pivots about wedge pin  51 , the jaw pin slides in the elongated slot  76 , and the jaw  60  linearly moves with the wedge  50 . The timing member  70  has an opposite, second end  72  with a follower pin (not shown) extending therefrom that slides along an outside edge  26  ( FIG.  2   ) of the operating arm  20  as the operating arm  20  pivots. The timing lever  70  is biased toward the throat  14  with an extension spring  78 . The operating arm  20 , the wedge  50 , and the timing lever  70  are all generally plate-like members and are in stacked relation to one another. Reference is made to the above-incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,641,174 and 5,988,665 for description and operation of a conventional timing lever and associated components. 
     A trigger arm  31  is pivotally coupled to the operating arm  20  and is for holding the operating arm  20  in the unlocked position ( FIG.  2   ). The trigger arm  31  extends transverse to the throat  14  and slides on the bottom plate  44  as the operating arm  20  pivots into and between the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) and the unlocked position ( FIG.  2   ). The trigger arm  31  has a trigger  38  that moves into the throat  14  as the operating arm  20  pivots toward the unlocked position ( FIG.  2   ), and the trigger  38  prevents the operating arm  20  from pivoting back to the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) until the kingpin  16  inserted into the throat  14 . Specifically, when the kingpin  16  is received into the throat  14  the kingpin  16  contacts and moves the trigger  38  out of the throat  14  causing the trigger arm  31  to pivot relative to the operating arm  20  and the trigger  38  to clear the bottom plate  44 . The trigger arm  31  then slides along the bottom plate  44  and the operating arm  20  pivots back toward the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) as the coil spring  36  “pulls” the operating arm toward the throat  14 . The coil spring  36  is shown connected to the trigger arm  31 , however, in other examples the coil spring  36  is directly connected to the operating arm  20 . In the example depicted in  FIG.  1   , the trigger  38  is a finger member that projects from the trigger arm  31 . 
     The operating arm  20  is held or locked in the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) with a secondary lock assembly  80  that is pivotally coupled to the second end  22  of the operating arm  20  via pin  81 . The secondary lock assembly  80  has a pawl member  84  and an opposite, dog member  85  that each radially extend away from a stabilizing pin  83  that is received in an arcuate slot  82  defined in the second end  22  of the operating arm  20 . A coil spring  92 , connected between the secondary lock assembly  80  and a flange on the top plate  12 , exerts a pulling force in the first direction (see arrow C) to thereby urge the secondary lock assembly  80 , and further urge the operating arm  20 , toward the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) and in the first direction (see arrow C). In operation, as the operating arm  20  pivots from the unlocked position ( FIG.  2   ) toward the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) the secondary lock assembly  80  moves in the first direction (see arrow C) and the pawl member  84  seats behind a stop surface  56  on the top plate  12  to thereby stop or prevent the operating arm  20  from pivoting in the opposite second direction (see arrow D) toward the unlocked position ( FIG.  1   ). To pivot the operating arm  20  to the unlocked position ( FIGS.  2   ), the pawl member  84  must be pivoted about pin  81  to clear the stop surface  56 . The pull handle  90  is connected to the secondary lock assembly  80  in such a way that as the operator pulls the pull handle  90  in a second direction (see arrow D) the pawl member  84  pivots about pin  81  to clear the stop surface  56  and the operating arm  20  pivots to the unlocked position ( FIG.  2   ). Accordingly, the kingpin  16  can be received into or moved out of the fifth wheel  10 . 
     The present inventors have observed that in certain circumstances the fifth wheel  10  may not fully or properly lock onto the kingpin  16 . For example, the pawl member  84  of the secondary locking assembly  80  may not fully seat behind the stop surface  56  and accordingly, the operating arm  20  does not reach the locked position (see  FIG.  1   ) and the fifth wheel  10  is in an unlocked operational state. As such, the kingpin  16  could inadvertently move out of the throat  14 . 
     If this occurs on the roadway, the towed trailer may unhitch from the towing vehicle. Accordingly, it is advantageous to provide systems that verify that the fifth wheel  10  is properly locked onto the kingpin  16  and is therefore in the locked operational state. Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide systems that store or log that the operator checked to ensure that the fifth wheel  10  is properly locked onto the kingpin  16  and is in the locked operational state. These systems, as will be described in greater detail below, are capable of sensing and logging proper locking of the fifth wheel  10  onto the kingpin  16  and/or manual interaction between the operator of the towing vehicle and the fifth wheel  10  to thereby create a log that the fifth wheel  10  has been properly locked and/or manually checked or verified by the operator. In addition, the present inventors have also observed that the operable components (e.g., the wedge  50 , the jaw  60 ) of the fifth wheel  10  wear over time as the kingpin  16  contacts and rubs on the jaw  60 . This wearing occurs when the kingpin  16  is received into the fifth wheel  10  and during towing. Certain conventional fifth wheels have various “slack” adjustment mechanisms that help account for the wear, however, once wear becomes excessive these mechanisms are no longer able to account for the wear and the operating arm  20  may “over” pivot in the first direction (see arrow C) toward the throat  14 . This additional pivoting may cause vibrations or “jiggling” between the kingpin  16  and the fifth wheel  10  during towing. Accordingly, it is advantageous to provide systems that detect wear of the fifth wheel  10  and that the fifth wheel  10  is in one or more worn operational states. Furthermore, the systems of the present disclosure can alert the operator of the towing vehicle that the fifth wheel  10  is in one of the worn operational states and/or that excessive wear has occurred to one or more components of the fifth wheel  10 . 
     As such, the present inventors have developed systems for determining the operational state of the fifth wheel  10  and verifying the operational state of fifth wheel  10 . These systems noted above and further described herein below. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , the system  100  of the present disclosure is shown in relation to the operable components of the fifth wheel  10 , which are described above. In particular, the system  100  includes a magnet  101  on a movable component of the fifth wheel  10  that moves or is movable to lock the fifth wheel  10  to the kingpin  16 . The movable component in this example is the pawl member  84  of the secondary lock assembly  80 , however, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognized that the magnet  101  can be on any movable component (e.g., the operating arm, trigger arm). One or more sensors  102 A-C on the top plate  12  that are capable of sensing the magnet  101  as the magnet  101  moves past each sensor  102 A-C. Generally, as the operating arm  20  pivots toward the throat  14  (see arrow C) and the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) the magnet  101  moves past one or more of the sensors  102 A-C. Each sensor  102 A-C that senses the magnet  101  sends a signal or data to a controller  200  which is in communication, via wired or wireless communication links  201 , with the sensors  102 A-C. Based on the data received from the sensors  102 , the controller  200  determines if the operating arm  20  has pivoted into the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) and the fifth wheel  10  is in the locked operational state. The controller  200  can also determine if the operating arm  20  has pivoted past the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) such that the fifth wheel  10  is in a worn operational state, which as is noted above is indicative of excessive wear of operable components of the fifth wheel  10 . Further description of the system  100  is provided hereinbelow. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , a schematic an example system  100  is shown in greater detail. The system  100  includes a printed circuit board (PCB)  205  on which the controller  200  with a memory  202  and a processor  203  (see  FIG.  2   ) and a series of sensors  102 A,  102 B,  102 C are coupled. In this example, the sensors  102 A-C are linearly positioned next to the stop surface  56  (see also  FIG.  2   ) and the magnet  101  is on the pawl member  84  of the secondary lock assembly  80 . The pawl member  84  is shown next to the stop surface  56 , which may occur as the operating arm  20  is pivoting from the unlocked position ( FIG.  2   ) to the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) and moving in the first direction (see arrow C) toward the throat  14  ( FIG.  1   ). When the pawl member  84  is next to the stop surface  56 , none of the sensors  102 A-C sense the magnet  101 . Accordingly, no data is sent to the controller  200  and the controller  200  does not indicate, via an indicator  206  (e.g., operator input/interface device, light emitting diode), that the operating arm  20  is in the locked position ( FIG.  2   ). The fifth wheel  10  is this example in an unlocked state and the indicator  206  may indicate the unlocked state of the fifth wheel  10 . 
     As the operating arm  20  further pivots toward the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) and in the first direction (see arrow C), the pawl member  84  seats behind the stop surface  56  (see also  FIG.  4   ) and the first sensor  102 A senses the magnet  101 . Accordingly, the first sensor  102 A sends data to the controller  200  and the controller  200  controls the indicator  206  to indicate that the operating arm  20  is in the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) and the fifth wheel  10  is in the locked state.  FIG.  4    depicts the indicator  206 , which is a multi-color LED, that emits light that is a first color (e.g., green light) when the first sensor  102 A senses the magnet  101 . 
     Returning to  FIG.  3   , if the operating arm  20  continues to pivot in the first direction (see arrow C), the second sensor  102 B senses the magnet  101  and the second sensor  102 B sends data to the controller  200 . As noted above, the operating arm  20  pivots past the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) when excessive wear of the operable components of the fifth wheel  10  is occurring and the fifth wheel  10  is a worn state. As such, the controller  200  indicates, via the indicator  206 , that the operating arm  20  has pivoted past the locked position ( FIG.  1   ) and thereby alerts the operator that the fifth wheel  10  should be inspected and/or repaired.  FIG.  5    depicts the indicator  206  emitting light that is a second color (e.g., red light) when the second sensor  102 B senses the magnet  101 . 
     Additional sensors, such as the third sensor  102 C, are provided to detect further movement of the operating arm  20  in the first direction (see arrow C) and thereby determine if the operable components of the fifth wheel  10  are additionally worn and the fifth wheel  10  is in other worn states. For example, when the second sensor  102 B senses the magnet  101  and sends data to the controller  200  such that the controller  200  indicates, via the indicator  206 , that the operating arm  20  has moved past the locked position ( FIG.  1   ), the operable components are worn to a first worn state (e.g., 20.0% remaining life), and/or alert the operator that the fifth wheel  10  should be inspected and/or repaired. However, when the second sensor  102 B and the third sensor  102 C sense the magnet  101  (within a predetermined time period) and both send data to the controller  200  the controller  200  indicates, via the indicator  206 , different information to the operator. For example, the controller  200  may indicate that the operable components are worn to a second worn state (e.g.  10 . 0 % remaining life) and/or alert the operator that the fifth wheel  10  should be taken out of service until repaired. 
     While  FIG.  3    depicts the sensors  102 A-C near the stop surface  56  and the magnet  101  on the pawl member  84 , the sensors  102 A-C and the magnet  101  can be positioned at different locations on the fifth wheel  10  to detect pivoting of the operating arm  20 . For example, the sensors  102 A-C can be placed on the top plate  12  near the first end  21  of the operating arm  20  (see arrow  110  on  FIG.  2   ) in an arc pattern to thereby detect the operating arm  20  as it pivots along an arc path. In this example, the magnet  101  is positioned on the operating arm  20  near the first end  21 . 
     The type of sensors  102 A-C may vary and in certain examples are Hall-Effect sensors. In other examples, the sensors  102 A-C are capable of sensing the relative weakness or strength of the magnetic field of the magnet  101 . In addition, while a magnet  101  is described as being sensed by the sensors  102 A-C, the magnet  101  can be replaced with any other suitable element capable of being sensed by the sensors  102 A-C. For example, the sensors  102 A-C may detect the secondary lock assembly  80 , the pawl member  84 , the operating arm  20 , indicia on the operating arm  20 , reflective tape, and/or the like. Furthermore, in certain examples the magnet  101  is coupled to the movable component (e.g., pawl member) of the fifth wheel  10  with a bracket or clip (not shown). In these examples, it is possible to couple the magnet  101  to existing fifth wheel  10  such the existing fifth wheel  10  can be retrofitted to include the system  100 . 
     In certain examples, the controller  200  is configured to record and store or log the data received from the sensors  102 A-C. For instance, when the data corresponding to manually checking and/or engagement of the fifth wheel by the operator is received from any one of the sensors  102 A-C, the controller  200  records a timestamp, which can comprise a date and a time, when the data is received. As such, a fleet manager can access this data log to observe operation and wear of the fifth wheel  10 . Furthermore, the data log provides a method for determining if the fifth wheel  10  has been properly cared for and inspected should the towed trailer come unhitched and cause damage and/or other liabilities. 
     In certain examples, at least one of the sensors  102  is for sensing a position of the movable component (e.g., pawl member) and the controller  200  is configured to determine the locked state of the fifth wheel  10  based on the position of the movable component. The controller  200  is further configured to monitor the position of the movable component for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 2.0 minutes, 45.0 seconds) after detecting the locked state. Further, if a threshold change in the position of the movable component is detected by the sensor  101  and thereby determined by the controller  200  within the predetermined amount of time, the controller  200  is further configured to store, on the memory  202  of the controller  200 , a positive indicator of manual verification of the locked state of the fifth wheel  10  by an operator. In certain examples, if the threshold change in the sensed position of the movable component is not detected within the predetermined amount of time, the controller  200  can store a negative indicator of manual verification of the locked state of the fifth wheel  10  by an operator. 
     The controller  200  can be on the fifth wheel  10  or remote from the fifth wheel  10 . For example, the controller  200  can be on the control system for the towing vehicle or integral the control system for the towing vehicle such that a separate controller is not needed. The controller  200  and the sensors  102 A-C can be battery powered and/or powered by the power system of the towing vehicle. 
     Certain safety rules and/or laws require that the operator of the towing vehicle get out of the towing vehicle to manually and physically check that the fifth wheel  10  is locked onto the kingpin  16  and the fifth wheel  10  is in the locked state. This commonly requires the operator to grasp and shake the pull handle  90  and/or pull the pull handle  90  out a few inches to ensure that the pawl member  84  is seated behind the stop surface  56  (see  FIG.  1   ). 
     In other examples, the system  100  can include a handle or secondary sensor  120  ( FIG.  2   ) for sensing movement of the pull handle  90  when the operator physically checks that the fifth wheel  10  is properly locked to the kingpin  16 . The secondary sensor  120  is placed on the pull handle  90  or on the top plate  12 . Once the fifth wheel  10  locks onto the kingpin  16  and the controller  200  logs one or more data received from the sensors  102 A-C (as described above), the controller  200  is programmed to monitor for data from the secondary sensor  120  within a stored time (e.g. 2.0 minutes, a time period for the operator to get out of the towing vehicle and walk back to the fifth wheel  10 ). If the operator engages (e.g. shakes) the pull handle  90  within the stored time, the controller  200  logs the data from the secondary sensor  120  and determines that the fifth wheel  10  was checked by the operator. If no data is received from the secondary sensor  120 , the controller  200  does not record any information. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , an example method for verifying the operational state of the fifth wheel  10  is ( FIG.  1   ) is depicted. As shown at  602 , the method begins with sensing, with at least one sensor  102 A-C, position of the movable component on the fifth wheel  10  that moves to lock the fifth wheel  10  to the kingpin  16 . The controller  200  is configured to determine if the fifth wheel  10  is in the locked state based on the sensed position of the movable component, depicted at  604 . If the fifth wheel  10  is not in the locked state, the method returns to  602 . However, if the fifth wheel  10  is in the locked state, the controller  200  is configured to monitor the position of the movable component for a predetermined amount of time after determining the locked state of the fifth wheel  10 , depicted at  606 . At  608 , if a threshold change in the sensed position of the movable component is detected within the predetermined amount of time, the controller  200  stores a positive indicator of manual verification of the locked state of the fifth wheel  10  by an operator. The controller  200  may then optionally enter a low-power mode, depicted at  610 , until the controller  200  determines the fifth wheel  10  is not in the locked state. The method then returns to  602 . In certain examples, the threshold change can be a distance (e.g., 1.0 inches of movement from the sensed position). 
     Optionally, at  612 , if a threshold change in the sensed position of the movable component is not detected within the predetermined amount of time, the controller  200  stores a negative indicator of manual verification of the locked state of the fifth wheel  10  by an operator. The controller  200  may then optionally enter the low-power mode, depicted at  610 . Still further, the method may optionally include storing a first timestamp when the predetermined amount of time begins and storing a second timestamp when storing a second timestamp when the threshold change occurs, as depicted at  614 . 
     In another example, the secondary sensor  120  senses movement of the pull handle  90  out of the fifth wheel  10  as the operator pulls the pull handle  90  and movement into the fifth wheel  10  as the pull handle  90  retracts into the fifth wheel  10 . In this example, a magnet (such as the magnet  101  on the pawl member  84 ) is sensed by the secondary sensor  120 . That is, as the pull handle  90  is pulled out of the fifth wheel  10 , the secondary sensor  120  senses the magnet  101  and sends a first signal (e.g., “ON”). Once the secondary sensor  120  does not sense the magnet  101  (due to continued pulling of the pull handle  90  such that the magnet  101  moves past the secondary sensor  120 ), the secondary sensor  120  sends a second signal (e.g., “OFF”). When the pull handle  90  is released and the pull handle  90  retracts back into the fifth wheel  10 , the secondary sensor  120  again senses the magnet  101  and sends another first signal. In another similar example, the sensors  102 A-C may sense the magnet  101  as the pull handle  90  moves into and out of the fifth wheel  10  (as described above). 
     In still another example, when the pull handle  90  is pulled by the operator at least one of the sensors  102 A-C senses movement of the magnet  101  as the pawl member  84  pivots away from and/or toward the sensors  102 A-C. In this example, at least one of the sensors  102 A-C senses the magnet  101  and sends a first signal (e.g., “ON”) before the pawl member  84  pivots away from the sensors  102 A-C. When the pawl member  84  pivots away from the sensors  102 A-C (due to pulling of the pull handle  90 ), at least one of the sensors  102 A-C does not sense the magnet  101  and sends a second signal (e.g., “OFF”). When the pull handle  90  is released, the pawl member  84  pivots, the magnet  101  is moved back toward the sensors  102 A-C, and at least one of the sensors  102 A-C senses the magnet  101  and sends another first signal. In another example, multiple sensors  102 A-C sense the magnet  101  and send different signals as the pawl member  84  pivots. For instance, before the pawl member  84  pivots away from the sensors  102 A-C, the second sensor  102 B senses the magnet  101  and sends the first signal. At the same time, the first sensor  102 A does not sense the magnet  101  and therefore sends the second signal. As the pawl member  84  pivots away from the sensors  102 A-C, the second sensor  102 B does not sense the magnet and sends the second signal. At the same time, the first sensor  102 A now senses the magnet  101  and therefore sends the first signal. Finally, as the pawl member  84  pivots back toward the sensors  102 A-C (after the pull handle  90  is released) the first sensor  102 A no longer senses magnet  101  and sends the second signal and the second sensor  102 B again senses the magnet  101  and sends the first signal. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that while some of the above examples describe a second signal being sent by the sensor(s), the sensor(s) may not actually send a second signal and instead the controller  200  records absence of the first signal. 
     The signals or data received or not received from the sensors  102 A-C and/or the secondary sensor  120  is logged by the controller  200  to thereby provide a detailed log of the operational state of the fifth wheel (e.g., locked state, unlocked state, worn state), presence of the kingpin  16  in the fifth wheel  10 , and/or operator interaction with the fifth wheel  10 . The logged data (e.g., date, time, frequency, locked or unlocked) may be stored locally on the memory  202  of the controller  200  or remotely in the control systems of the towing vehicle, and the logged data can be accessed by the fleet manager. Accordingly, the operator is held accountable for performing all necessary safety checks when operating the towing vehicle and the fifth wheel  10 . Furthermore, the secondary sensor  120  can provide added liability defense for the fleet manager or original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The secondary sensor  120  can be any suitable sensor such as a momentary vibration sensor. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , another example system  100  of the present disclosure is depicted. In this example, the sensor  102  senses the magnet  101  as a movable component of the fifth wheel  10 , such as the operating arm  20 , the secondary lock assembly  80 , or the pawl member  84  ( FIG.  2   ), moves to lock the fifth wheel  10  to the kingpin  16 . As discussed in greater detail herein below, the controller  200  receives data from the sensor  102  and processes the data to thereby determine an end position of the movable component after the movable component has moved. For example, the end position may be the position of the pawl member  84  after it seats behind the stop surface  56  ( FIG.  2   ) and stops moving. The controller  200  then compares the end position to a threshold position (described further herein) which may be a position in which the movable component has moved into a position that corresponds to positive locking of the fifth wheel  10  to the kingpin (e.g., the position of the pawl member  84  as depicted in  FIG.  1   ). Accordingly, the controller  200  determines an operational state of the fifth wheel  10 , such as a worn state, a locked state, or an unlocked state, based on the comparison of the end position of the movable component to the threshold position. The controller  200  is coupled to and in communication with an indicator  206  indicates the operational state of the fifth wheel  10  to an operator and/or fleet manager. 
     The number and type of operational states of the fifth wheel  10  can vary based on the condition of the fifth wheel  10  and operation thereof. Generally, in the locked state, the fifth wheel  10  is properly locked onto the fifth wheel  10  ( FIG.  1   ). Accordingly, the end position of the movable component, as sensed by the sensor  102 , is in a predetermined locked threshold position stored on the memory  202  of the controller  200  that corresponds to proper movement of components of the fifth wheel  10  and locking of the fifth wheel  10  onto the kingpin  16  ( FIG.  1   ). However, if the fifth wheel  10  does not properly lock onto the fifth wheel, due to incorrect insertion of the kingpin  16  into the throat  14  and/or improper operation of the fifth wheel  10 , the end position of the movable component is not at the predetermined locked threshold position. Therefore, the end position corresponds to an unlocked state of the fifth wheel  10 . 
     In addition, as can be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art, stationery and movable components of the fifth wheel  10  may wear over time and thus movable components may move into positions different than a baseline or initial predetermined locked threshold position when the fifth wheel  10  is locked onto the kingpin  16  ( FIG.  1   ). Thus, the end position is not in the predetermined locked threshold position, and therefore, the end position corresponds to a worn state of the fifth wheel  10 . One or more predetermined worn threshold positions can be stored on the memory  202  of the controller  200 , and each worn threshold position may correspond to a remaining life expectancy of one or more components of the fifth wheel  10 . For example, a first threshold position corresponds to a first worn state of the fifth wheel in which a component of the fifth wheel  10  has a first remaining life expectancy (e.g., 4000 remaining lock-unlock operations) and a second worn state of the fifth wheel in which a component of the fifth wheel  10  has a second remaining life expectancy (e.g., 500 remaining lock-unlock operations). 
     The components of the system  100 , including the sensor  102 , the indicator  206 , the controller  200 , and the other components thereof, are described in greater detail hereinbelow. 
     As noted above, the sensor  102  is in operable association with the fifth wheel  10 . Note that in the example depicted in  FIG.  2   , the sensors  102 A-C are coupled to the top plate  12 . However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the sensor(s), such as the sensor  102  depicted in  FIG.  7   , can be connected to any suitable component of the fifth wheel  10 . In one example, the sensor  102  is contained within a water-tight housing (not shown), which is fastened to the top plate  12  via mechanical fasteners or adhesives, so that the sensor  102  is protected from debris and moisture. 
     The sensor  102  can be a device capable to sensing magnetic flux generated by the magnet  101  on the movable component of the fifth wheel  10 , such as the pawl member  84  (see  FIG.  2   ). The Furthermore, the specific sensor  102  used in the system  100  may depend on the specific type of magnet  101 . The sensor  102  can be a Hall-Effect sensor. In other examples, the sensor  102  capable of sensing the magnetic field of the magnet  101  in the x, y, and z directions such that the sensor  102  is capable of sensing the three-dimensional movement of the magnet  101  and thereby the movable component of the fifth wheel  10  to which the magnet  101  is coupled. An example of a sensor  102  capable of sensing the three-dimensional movements of the magnet  101  is commercially available from Infineon (model #TLV493D-A1B6). As noted above and depicted in  FIG.  2   , more than one sensor may be used in the system  100  (e.g., multiple sensors  102  are used for redundancy and/or error checking other sensors  102 ). The sensor  102  generates or outputs position data in the form of analog signals or digital signals, depending on the type of sensor  102  used. In certain examples, the sensitivity of the sensor  102  can be adjusted, either manually or by the controller  200 , to thereby increase the accuracy of the sensor  102  and/or account for variations in the magnetic field that may be affected by the specific location of the magnet  101  on the movable member (e.g., interference of the magnet field caused by certain metallic components of the fifth wheel  10 ). In certain examples, the sensor  102  is capable of sensing magnetic flux causes by components of the fifth wheel such that the magnet  101  may be excluded. In other examples, the sensor  102  could be another type of sensor capable of sensing movement of the components of the fifth wheel  10 . 
     As noted above, the sensor  102  generates or outputs data to the controller  200  which is configured to process the data. The controller  200  includes the processor  203  and the memory  202 , and the controller  200  can be located anywhere in the system  100 . The controller  200  is in communication with the various components of the system  100  via wired and/or wireless communication links  201 . In certain examples, the system  100  includes more than one controller  200 . The controller  200  includes a timer or counter  210  such that velocity and/or distance traveled can be determined based on the data received from the sensor  102 . The controller  200  is also configured to receive date or inputs from other components in the system  100  such as the operator interface device  220  and/or the indicator  206 . The components of the system  100  (e.g., the controller  200 , the sensor  102 , and the indicator  206 ) are powered by a battery  230  and/or a power source (not shown) on the towing vehicle or the towed vehicle. 
     As noted above, the controller  200  processes the data to determine an end position of the movable component based on the magnetic flux caused by the magnet  101 . The controller  200  then compares the end position of the movable component to the locked threshold position such that the operational state of the fifth wheel  10  can be determined. The locked threshold position is predetermined and may correspond to a position in which the pawl member  84  seats behind the stop surface  56  ( FIG.  2   ) when the fifth wheel  10  properly couples to the kingpin  16 . 
     In certain examples, the locked threshold position is determined based on controlled, repeatable tests in which the fifth wheel  10  properly couples to the kingpin  16 . Accordingly, the locked threshold position can be identified by examining the end position of one or more moveable components of the fifth wheel  10 , and/or the magnet  101  coupled to one of the movable components from each test. The locked threshold position is then inputted into the controller  200  and stored on the memory  202 . In other examples, the controller  200  is configured to “learn” the locked threshold position based on repeated coupling events between the fifth wheel  10  and the kingpin  16 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8 A , the locked threshold position is on a continuum of potential positions along which the movable component and/or the magnet  101  may move.  FIG.  8 A  is an example linear graphical representation  300  of the potential positions along which the movable component may move during the operation of the fifth wheel  10 . In this example, the sensor  102  generates data corresponding to one coordinate direction (e.g., the x-coordinate) and thereby the controller  200  can determine the position of the movable components along a single coordinate axis (e.g., x-coordinate axis). The linear graphical representation  300  includes a first position extent  301  that may correspond to when the operating arm  20  is in the unlocked position as depicted in  FIG.  2   . In other examples, the first position extent  301  corresponds to the maximum sensing range of the sensor  102  in a first direction (e.g., in a direction to the right relative to the fifth wheel  10 ) along one coordinate axis. The continuum of potential positions extends from the first position extent  301  to a second position extent  302  that may correspond to the maximum sensing range of the sensor  102  in a second direction (e.g., in a direction to the left relative to the fifth wheel  10 ) along one coordinate axis. The locked threshold position  303  is predetermined (as noted above) and on the continuum of potential positions between the position extents  301 ,  302 . 
     In the example depicted in  FIG.  8 A , the locked threshold position  303  corresponds to the locked state of the fifth wheel  10  in which the fifth wheel  10  is locked onto the kingpin  16 . For instance, the locked threshold position  303  corresponds to when the pawl member  84  is seated behind the stop surface  56  ( FIG.  1   ). In this example, if the controller  200  determines that the end position of the movable component is at the locked threshold position  303 , the controller  200  determines that the operational state of the fifth wheel  10  is the locked state in which the fifth wheel  10  is properly locked to the kingpin  16 . In this example, the controller  200  may also determine the fifth wheel  10  is in the locked state when further movement of the movable component occurs such that the end position is located between the locked threshold position  303  and the second position extent  302  (see position  304 ). However, if the controller determines that the end position of the movable component is between the locked threshold position  303  and the first position extent  301 , the controller  200  determines that the operational state of the fifth wheel is the unlocked state in which the fifth wheel is improperly locked or not locked onto the kingpin  16 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8 B , the controller  200  can be configured to determine if the operational state of the fifth wheel  10  is in one or more worn states in which one of the components of the fifth wheel is worn. The worn threshold positions are on a continuum of potential positions along which the movable component and/or the magnet  101  may move.  FIG.  8 B , like  FIG.  8 A , is an example linear graphical representation  300  of the potential positions along which the movable component may move during the operation of the fifth wheel  10 . Like the example noted above with respect to  FIG.  8 A , the sensor  102  generates data corresponding to one coordinate direction (e.g., the x-coordinate) and thereby the controller  200  can determine the position of the movable components along a single coordinate axis (e.g., x-coordinate axis). In this example, the controller  200  has one or more predetermined worn threshold positions stored on the memory  202  that are on the continuum of potential positions that extend between the extents  301 ,  302 . For instance, a first worn threshold position  311  and a second worn threshold position  312 . The first worn threshold position  311  that corresponds to a first worn state, and the first worn state corresponds a first remaining life expectancy of one or more components of the fifth wheel  10 . (e.g., 4000 remaining lock-unlock operations of the fifth wheel  10 ). The second worn threshold position  312  corresponds to a second worn state in which at least one of the components of the fifth wheel  10  is worn, and the second worn state corresponds a second remaining life expectancy of one or more components of the fifth wheel  10 . (e.g., 500 remaining lock-unlock operations of the fifth wheel  10 ). By determining the worn state of the fifth wheel  10 , the controller  200  can help the operator and/or fleet manager decide if and/or when the fifth wheel  10  should be scheduled for maintenance, inspected, and/or repaired. 
     In this example, if the controller  200  determines that the end position of the movable component is at the first worn threshold position  311 , the controller  200  determines that the operational state of the fifth wheel  10  is the first worn state. However, if the controller  200  determines that the end position of the movable component is at the second worn threshold position  311 , the controller  200  determines that the operational state of the fifth wheel  10  is the second worn state. Note that in certain examples, the controller  200  can be configured to determine the worn state independent from the locked state or the unlocked state (e.g., the controller  200  determines that the fifth wheel  10  is in the work state but does not determine the locked state or the unlocked state). In other examples, the controller  200  can be configured to determine the locked state or unlocked state together with or based on the worn state (e.g., the controller  200  determines that fifth wheel  10  is in the first worn state and therefore, the fifth wheel  10  also in the locked state). 
     In certain examples, the controller  200  can be configured to assess position vectors. In this example, the locked threshold position and/or the worn threshold position(s) include two or more positions on the continuum of potential positions. The continuum of potential positions can include positions within a sensing range of the sensor  102 . In addition, the end position determined by the controller  200  includes two or more positions sensed over time as the movable component moves to the locked state. The position vector can include a time series of position measurements that are sensed by the sensor  10  and further processed by the controller  200 . The position vector corresponds to movement of the magnet  101  as the movable component moves to lock the fifth wheel  10  to the kingpin  16  and is based on the data generated by the sensor  102 . In one embodiment, the sensor generates position data relative to two or more coordinates (e.g., the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate) and thereby the controller  200  can determine the position vector of the movable components relative to the two or more coordinate axes (e.g., x-coordinate axis and the y-coordinate axis). The sensed, position vector is then compared to the positions of the locked threshold position and/or the worn threshold position(s). 
     Depending on the operational state of the fifth wheel determined by the controller  200 , the controller  200  controls the indicator  206  to thereby indicate the operational state to the operator. The indicator  206  is any suitable indicator, such as a visual indicator (e.g. LED), audio indicator (e.g. speaker), or any other indicator capable of indicating to the operator. Specifically, the indicator  206  may produce an audible alert and/or a visual alert. In certain examples, the indicator  206  is part of the drive system of the towing vehicle. The location of the indicator  206  can vary, such as on the fifth wheel  10  or in the cab on the towing vehicle. The controller  200  may further control the operator input device  220  to thereby display or indicate the operational state to the operator. In operation examples, the indicator  206  is part of the operator interface device  220 , or vice versa. 
     Furthermore, the controller  200  may further control the indicator  206  and/or the operator interface device  220  to generate a first alert (e.g., emit yellow light) when the fifth wheel  10  is in the first worn state (as described above) and/or a second alert (e.g., emit red light) when the fifth wheel  10  is in the second worn state (as described above). 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , an example method for determining the operational state of the fifth wheel  10  ( FIG.  1   ) is depicted. Note that components of the fifth wheel  10  and/or the system  100  not depicted in  FIG.  9    are depicted in  FIG.  2   . As shown at  502 , the method begins sensing, with at least one sensor  102 , magnetic flux caused by the magnet  101  on a movable component (e.g., the pawl member  84 ) movable to lock the fifth wheel  10  to the kingpin  16  and generating position data that corresponds to the movement of the movable component. Optionally, if the position data generated does not indicate movement of the movable component (e.g., the position data is consistent and does not change because there is no movement of the movable component; the fifth wheel  10  is in the locked state), the controller  200  may enter a low-power mode. Based on the position data received by the controller  200 , the controller  200  determines the end position of the movable component, shown at  506 . At  508 , the controller  200  compares the end position of the movable component to the predetermined locked threshold position and/or the worn threshold position(s) that is stored on the memory  202  ( FIG.  6   ). Note the threshold position may be part of a look-up table. Based on the comparison of the end position of the movable component to the threshold position, the controller  200  determines the operational state of the fifth wheel, depicted at  310 . The controller  200  then controls the indicator  206  to thereby indicate the operational state of the fifth wheel  10  to the operator, depicted at  312 . Thereafter, the controller  200  may enter the low-power mode (shown at  504 ) until the sensor  102  senses additional changes to the magnetic flux caused by the magnet  101  that may be indicative of movement of the movable component and change in operational state of the fifth wheel  10 . 
     In certain examples, a method for determining an operational state of a fifth wheel includes sensing, with at least one sensor, magnetic flux caused by a magnet on a movable component movable to lock the fifth wheel to a kingpin of a towed vehicle, determining an end position of the movable component based on the magnetic flux, comparing the end position of the movable component to a threshold position, and determining an operational state of the fifth wheel based on the comparison of the end position of the movable component to the threshold position. 
     In certain examples, the method can further include indicating the operational state of the fifth wheel with an indicator. The operational state is at least one of a worn state, a locked state, or an unlocked state. The end position can be on a continuum of potential positions along which the magnet may move as the moveable component moves to lock the fifth wheel to the kingpin. The threshold position can be on the continuum of potential positions and corresponds to a worn state of the fifth wheel in which at least one component of the fifth wheel is worn. The method can include generating an alert, with an indicator, when the fifth wheel is in the worn state. In certain examples, the worn state corresponds to remaining life expectancy of the at least one component of the fifth wheel. The worn state can be a first worn state and the method can include comparing the end position to a second threshold position such that the second threshold position corresponds to a second worn state of the fifth wheel in which the at least one component of the fifth wheel is worn and the second worn state corresponds to remaining life expectancy of the at least one component of the fifth wheel that is less than that of the first worn state. In certain examples, the method includes generating, with an indicator, a first alert when the fifth wheel is in the first worn state and a second alert when the fifth wheel is in the second worn state. 
     In certain examples, the method includes determining a position vector that corresponds to movement of the magnet as the movable component moves to lock the fifth wheel to the kingpin. The threshold position can include two or more positions on the continuum of potential positions such that determining the operational state includes comparing the magnet position vector to the two or more positions. In certain examples, the end position is determined based on data from at least two sensors. In certain examples, the sensor is a 3D Hall Effect sensor. In certain examples, the threshold position is on the continuum of potential positions and corresponds to a locked state of the fifth wheel in which the fifth wheel is locked onto the kingpin. The method can further include comprising indicating, with an indicator, if the fifth wheel is in the locked state or an unlocked state. In certain examples, the threshold position includes two or more positions on the continuum of potential positions such that the threshold position is a position vector that corresponds to movement of the magnet as the movable component moves to the locked state of the fifth wheel and the end position includes two or more positions. 
     In certain examples, a fifth wheel system includes a fifth wheel configured to couple to a kingpin of a towed trailer and the fifth wheel has a movable component movable to lock the fifth wheel to the kingpin. A magnet is coupled to the movable component, and a sensor is in operative association with the fifth wheel and configured to sense magnetic flux caused by the magnet and generate data corresponding to the magnetic flux as the movable component moves to lock the fifth wheel to the kingpin. A controller is configured to receive the data and process the data to determine an end position of the movable component as the movable component moves, and the controller is further configured to compare the end position of the movable component to a threshold position to thereby determine operational state of the fifth wheel. An indicator indicates the operational state of the fifth wheel. 
     In certain examples, the operational state can be at least one of a worn state, a locked state, or an unlocked state. The end position can be on a continuum of potential positions along which the magnet may move as the moveable component moves to lock the fifth wheel to the kingpin. In certain examples, the threshold position is on the continuum of potential positions and corresponds to a worn state of the fifth wheel in which at least one component of the fifth wheel is worn. The indicator can generate an alert when the fifth wheel is in the worn state, and the worn state corresponds to remaining life expectancy of the at least one component of the fifth wheel. 
     In certain examples, the threshold position is a first threshold position and the worn state is a first worn state such that the controller is further configured to compare the end position of the movable component to a second threshold position that corresponds to a second worn state of the fifth wheel in which the at least one component of the fifth wheel is worn, and the second worn state corresponds to remaining life expectancy of the component of the fifth wheel that is less than the remaining life expectancy of the at least one component of the fifth wheel than the first worn state. In certain examples, the indicator is configured to generate a first alert when the fifth wheel is in the first worn state and a second alert when the fifth wheel is in the second worn state. The controller can be further configured to determine a position vector that comprises the two or more positions as the moveable component moves to lock the fifth wheel to the kingpin. In certain examples, the threshold position includes two or more positions on the continuum of potential positions, and controller is configured to compare the magnet position vector to the two or more positions. The end position can be determined based on data from at least two sensors. In certain examples, the sensor is a 3D Hall Effect sensor. 
     In certain examples, the threshold position is on the continuum of potential positions and corresponds to a locked state of the fifth wheel in which the fifth wheel is locked onto the kingpin. The indicator can indicate if the fifth wheel is in the locked state or an unlocked state. The controller can be configured to determine a position vector that comprises the two or more positions as the moveable component moves to lock the fifth wheel to the kingpin, and the threshold position can include two or more positions on the continuum of potential positions, and wherein controller is configured to compare the position vector to the two or more positions. 
     In certain examples, a method of verifying an operational state of a fifth wheel includes sensing a position of a movable component on a fifth wheel movable to lock the fifth wheel to a kingpin of a towed vehicle, determining a locked state of the fifth wheel based on the sensed position, and monitoring the position of the movable component for a predetermined amount of time after detecting the locked state. If a threshold change in the sensed position of the movable component is detected within the predetermined amount of time, the method includes storing a positive indicator of manual verification of the locked state of the fifth wheel by an operator. In certain examples, if the threshold change in the sensed position of the movable component is not detected within the predetermined amount of time, the method includes storing a negative indicator of manual verification of the locked state of the fifth wheel by an operator. In certain examples, storing a first timestamp when the predetermined amount of time begins and storing a second timestamp when the threshold change occurs. 
     In certain examples, a fifth wheel system includes a fifth wheel configured to couple to a kingpin of a towed trailer and the fifth wheel having a movable component movable to lock the fifth wheel to the kingpin. A sensor senses a position of the movable component, and a controller is configured to determine a locked state of the fifth wheel based on the position of the movable component and monitor the position of the movable component for a predetermined amount of time after detecting the locked state and detect a threshold change in the position of the movable component within the predetermined amount of time. The controller then stores a positive indicator of manual verification of the locked state of the fifth wheel by an operator 
     In certain examples, a method for determining an operational state of a fifth wheel includes sensing, with at least one sensor, magnetic flux caused by a movable component movable to lock the fifth wheel to a kingpin of a towed vehicle, determining an end position of the movable component based on the magnetic flux, comparing the end position of the movable component to a threshold position, and determining an operational state of the fifth wheel based on the comparison of the end position of the movable component to the threshold position. 
     In certain examples, a fifth wheel system includes a fifth wheel configured to couple to a kingpin of a towed trailer and the fifth wheel has a movable component movable to lock the fifth wheel to the kingpin. A sensor is in operative association with the fifth wheel and configured to sense magnetic flux and generate data corresponding to the magnetic flux as the movable component moves to lock the fifth wheel to the kingpin. A controller is configured to receive the data and process the data to determine an end position of the movable component as the movable component moves, and the controller is further configured to compare the end position of the movable component to a threshold position to thereby determine operational state of the fifth wheel. 
     Citations to a number of references are made herein. The cited references are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. In the event that there is an inconsistency between a definition of a term in the specification as compared to a definition of the term in a cited reference, the term should be interpreted based on the definition in the specification. 
     In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatuses, systems, and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses, systems, and methods. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. 
     The functional block diagrams, operational sequences, and flow diagrams provided in the Figures are representative of exemplary architectures, environments, and methodologies for performing novel aspects of the disclosure. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies included herein may be in the form of a functional diagram, operational sequence, or flow diagram, and may be described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance therewith, occur in a different order and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology can alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all acts illustrated in a methodology may be required for a novel implementation. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.