The
coupling alignment
warning system (CAWS) of the instant invention is designed to provide the driver of a
towing unit, e.g., a commercial
truck, with visual and / or audible cues that indicate whether the
towing unit is aligned relative to a towed unit for proper engagement of the
coupling components mounted thereon, including a fifth wheel hitch on the
towing unit and a king pin on the trailer. The CAWS combines a
laser light source and a series of sensors with a reflective target to provide alignment information to the user. In particular, the
system combines a low-power
laser diode mounted on the towing unit with a retro-reflective target that is attached, preferably temporarily, on the towed unit. The target will continuously return positive
coupling alignment information back to the sensors as long as
laser light impinges upon the target, i.e., as long as
target acquisition is maintained. The sensors transmit detection signals to a
processing unit that includes a
microprocessor and
relay. The
microprocessor is programmed to calculate a threshold level of light that is based on sensed ambient light signals. In operation, the
microprocessor decodes the detected light and determines whether the detected
light level reaches the threshold level of light. If so, the CAWS indicates to the user that
target acquisition has been achieved, and thus, that the towing unit is aligned with the towed unit for positive coupling. The microprocessor also controls the
relay, thus controlling the delivery of power to the
laser light source so that the
system can continually compute an updated threshold level of light based on the ambient light in the surrounding
operating environment. As a result, the
system minimizes the chance of triggering on false light signals, notwithstanding varying ambient light conditions. The CAWS is particularly useful in zero or low
visibility conditions because it can be used in conjunction with mirrors and
external reference points to provide reliable position information to the user.