Trailer Coupling Ball Neck Detection for Intermediate Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer couplings face challenges in clearly determining the position of the ball neck, particularly in operating conditions where indirect detection methods are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A trailer coupling system equipped with a sensor system that directly detects the ball neck's position, including its working and rest positions, and intermediate positions, using a spatial resolution of less than 8 mm, with an evaluation unit comparing detected positions to reference positions to determine accurate position information and control the movement of the ball neck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indirect detection methods (push button switch or swivel blocking device) are used to detect ball neck position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of position detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical detection methods (push button switches, swivel blocking devices) with a direct optical sensor system. The sensor unit directly detects the position of the coupling ball in space, eliminating the need for mechanical intermediaries and providing precise positional information without complex mechanical detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor unit as an intermediary between the ball neck and the control system. This sensor unit directly measures the position of the coupling ball and provides accurate positional data to the control unit, enabling precise control without complex mechanical detection devices.
2Measurement precision
If direct sensor detection of ball neck position is implemented, then the measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with a compact optical sensor unit. This sensor unit directly detects the position of the coupling ball using optical fields, providing precise measurement without the complexity of mechanical switches, blocking devices, or other mechanical intermediaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit serves multiple functions: it detects the position of the coupling ball, determines whether the ball neck is in the working position or rest position, and provides information for control decisions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Device complexity
If only end positions are detected, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of detecting deviations and intermediate positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit provides continuous feedback on the position of the coupling ball, enabling the control unit to determine not only whether end positions are reached but also the exact position between end positions. This feedback mechanism allows detection of deviations from the intended path and intermediate positions, significantly improving detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical sensor detection to continuously monitor the position of the coupling ball, replacing discrete mechanical detection methods. This enables accurate detection of intermediate positions and deviations without increasing device complexity, as the optical sensor provides comprehensive positional information through non-contact measurement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A trailer hitch, comprising a bearing unit that can be mounted in a vehicle-fixed manner on a rear area of a vehicle body, which bearing unit has a bearing base and a ball-neck support movably mounted thereon, and further comprising a ball neck, which is fixedly connected to the ball-neck support at a first end and a Carrying the coupling ball and which can be moved by moving the ball neck carrier relative to the bearing base between two end positions, one of which is a working position and the other of which is a rest position, in such a way that the position of the ball neck can be detected as simply and clearly as possible , it is proposed that a sensor system is provided for detecting the position of the ball neck relative to the bearing base, which system detects the positions of the ball neck relative to the vehicle-fixed bearing base and generates position information representative of the respective position of the ball neck.