Bifurcated Trailer Coupling Guide for Pivoting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer coupling systems are limited in achieving greater pivoting angles, particularly when a rear differential is present, leading to inconvenient disconnection of the steering pivot and inadequate prevention of over-pivoting, which affects turning efficiency and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A bifurcated guide system is introduced, allowing for greater flexibility in pivoting by splitting into multiple channels, enabling the slidable pivot to move along a main channel and branched channels, which reduces frictional forces and allows for automatic selection of the correct path, thereby enabling more compact and efficient turning without over-pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single linear slide channel is used to guide the steering pivot, then the structure is simple, but the pivoting angle is limited and over-pivoting cannot be prevented when greater turning angles are required
Solution Approach 1:
The guide channel is segmented into multiple branches (first branch, second branch, third branch) that diverge from a common junction. This segmentation allows the steering pivot to selectively follow different paths based on the required turning direction, enabling greater pivoting angles while maintaining structural organization and preventing over-pivoting through defined channel boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure transitions from a single linear dimension to a multi-branch spatial configuration. The bifurcated guide channels extend in different directions from the junction, utilizing spatial arrangement to provide multiple valid pivoting paths and prevent over-pivoting by physically constraining the steering pivot within the defined channel geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering pivot is disconnected from the chassis to achieve greater pivoting angles, then the pivoting angle increases, but the operation becomes inconvenient and over-pivoting is not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The steering pivot automatically selects the appropriate guide channel branch based on the turning direction without requiring manual intervention or disconnection. The system self-regulates the pivoting angle by guiding the steering pivot along predefined paths, maintaining ease of operation while achieving greater pivoting angles and preventing over-pivoting.
3Volume of moving object
If the linear slide channel is placed close to the rear axle to avoid contact with the rear differential, then the arrangement is more compact, but the pivoting movement is hindered by the finite channel length
Solution Approach 1:
The guide channel is divided into multiple branches that diverge from a junction point near the rear axle. This segmentation allows each branch to extend in different directions, maximizing the use of available space while providing sufficient length for the steering pivot to achieve greater pivoting angles without contacting the rear differential.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure utilizes multi-dimensional spatial arrangement with branches extending in different directions from the junction. This transforms the limited linear space near the rear axle into a multi-directional guidance system that provides adequate pivoting range while maintaining a compact footprint and avoiding interference with the rear differential.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
An improved trailer coupling is provided for coupling a trailer and a towing vehicle. The coupling is provided with a mountable bifurcated restriction means or bifurcated guide that is used to prevent over pivoting whilst allowing greater pivoting angles to be conveniently achieved. As is known from the art, the trailer suitably comprises steerable wheels so that differential pivoting of the towing vehicle and trailer can be achieved. This is in addition to the tow bar connection that can pivot but not slide. The coupling further comprises a first pivot means to pivotably interconnect the towing vehicle and trailer and a second pivot means to pivotably interconnect the wheel steering means of the trailer and the bifurcated guide. The second pivot means comprises a slidable pivot that is guidable by the bifurcated guide as the towing vehicle turns with respect to the trailer.