Adjustable Trailer Coupling for Multi-Vehicle Towing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trailer connecting mechanisms are incompatible with different types of power-assisted vehicles, limiting their usability.

Innovation Solution

A trailer connecting mechanism with adjustable components, including a second connecting assembly that can be adjusted relative to a connecting member, allowing for adaptable connections to various power-assisted vehicles, and a first connecting assembly that allows for rotational and vertical movement, enhancing flexibility and compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed connection structure is used between trailer and power-assisted vehicle, then the connection is simple and stable, but the compatibility with different types of power-assisted vehicles is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different power-assisted vehiclesVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is designed with movable and adjustable components instead of fixed rigid connections. The second connecting assembly can be adjusted relative to the connecting member, and the connecting member itself can rotate and move vertically relative to the first connecting assembly, enabling dynamic adaptation to different vehicle types while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it can connect to different types of power-assisted vehicles (electric bikes, bicycles, motorcycles), accommodate different road conditions, and provide both stable connection and flexible movement. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between simplicity and compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable connection structure is implemented, then the adaptability to different vehicles is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different vehicle modelsVSAvoidconnecting mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting mechanism is divided into three main segments: the first connecting assembly connected to the trailer, the connecting member with rotating capability, and the second connecting assembly connected to the power-assisted vehicle. Each segment has specific adjustment functions, allowing adaptability without requiring complete structural redesign for each vehicle type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member is designed with rotational freedom relative to the first connecting assembly and vertical movement capability, while the second connecting assembly can be adjusted relative to the connecting member. These dynamic features enable adaptation to different vehicles without significantly increasing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The mechanism enables comfortable and adaptable towing of trailers by power-assisted vehicles, accommodating different vehicle models and road conditions, improving usability and movement flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

External threads are arranged on an outer wall of the threaded rod, and the fixing base is internally provided with a threaded hole, where the threaded rod is threadedly connected to the threaded hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded connection: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The screw rod assembly includes: a connecting rod and a nut threadedly connected to the connecting rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded connection: Screw

Implementation Method 3

The quick-lock member includes: a clamping block hingedly opened and closed, a screw rod that penetrates through the clamping block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinged movement: Hinge

Implementation Method 4

the movable handle is provided with a cam portion that matches the clamping block, and when the clamping block is closed, a connecting clamping opening is formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 5

A first gap is reserved between the connecting member and the clamping member, such that the connecting member moves vertically relative to the clamping member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical clearance:

Data Source

PatentUS12472786B1Trailer connecting mechanism and trailer
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SHENZHEN TUYA TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US12472786B1 patent drawing
  • US12472786B1 patent drawing
  • US12472786B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a trailer connecting mechanism, including: a first connecting assembly, a connecting member movably connected to the first connecting assembly, and a second connecting assembly connected to the connecting member; and the first connecting assembly is further connected to a trailer, and the second connecting assembly is further connected to a power-assisted vehicle; and the second connecting assembly is adjustably arranged relative to the connecting member. In the trailer connecting mechanism and the trailer in the present disclosure, the second connecting assembly and the connecting member are connected through combination of a threaded structure and a fixing base, which achieves width adjustment and rotational connection between the second connecting assembly and the power-assisted vehicle. Additionally, the first connecting assembly and the connecting member are movably connected in a rotational and vertical direction, such that the power-assisted vehicle tows the trailer in a more comfortable manner.