Automatic Trailer Hitch Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer hitch systems require manual intervention for connection and do not automatically secure the emergency brake safety cable and wiring harness, necessitating the driver to leave the vehicle during coupling.
Innovation Solution
A hitch assembly with a king ball and hitch block featuring a locking mechanism that automatically engages the king pin, a jaw, and a wedge to secure the trailer, along with a lever and release handle for remote operation, and a 7-pin electrical connector for automatic wiring connection, allowing for simultaneous and automatic attachment of safety chains and emergency brake cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional manual hitching system is used, then the driver can securely connect the trailer, but the driver must leave the vehicle during coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The hitching system performs automatic coupling functions without requiring driver intervention. The jaw mechanism automatically engages the king pin, the wedge locks the jaw in position, and the safety cable automatically connects to the trailer eye, allowing the system to service itself during the coupling process
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw is pre-positioned and biased toward the engaged position, and the wedge is pre-configured to automatically lock the jaw once contact is made with the king pin. This preliminary positioning ensures that the coupling action completes automatically without requiring the driver to manually secure each component
2Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism is used, then the connection can be secured, but multiple manual steps are required for engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw and wedge are combined into a single integrated locking mechanism where the jaw engages the king pin and the wedge automatically locks the jaw in position. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate manual operations required while maintaining secure connection through the coordinated action of both components
3Reliability
If safety chains and wiring harness require manual connection, then secure attachment is achieved, but additional time and steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The safety cable is pre-attached to the hitch assembly and positioned to automatically engage with the trailer eye during the coupling process. The wiring harness connectors are pre-positioned to align and connect automatically when the king ball is inserted into the receiver, eliminating the need for manual connection steps
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
Enables the driver to connect a trailer to a tow vehicle without leaving the vehicle, ensuring secure attachment of the trailer, safety chains, and wiring harness, with visual confirmation of the locking status through a rear-view camera, and allows for remote disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge adapted to automatically engage the jaw after the jaw engages the king pin to lock the jaw in engagement with the king pin
Implementation Method 2
a jaw adapted to automatically engage the king pin when the base of the king ball is inserted into the throat of the housing to secure the base of the king ball within the throat of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch assembly for coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle comprises a king ball including a base and a king pin extending vertically from a top surface of the base, the king pin including a ball positioned on a distal end opposite the base, the ball adapted to be pivotally received into a hitch of the trailer. A hitch block includes a draw bar and a housing, the drawbar adapted to be horizontally inserted into a receiver mounted onto the tow vehicle, the housing including a throat adapted to receive the base of the king ball. A locking mechanism is adapted to automatically engage the king pin when the base of the king ball is inserted into the throat of the housing to secure the base of the king ball within the throat of the housing and locking the king ball and the hitch block together.