Vehicle Coupling Carrier Guidance for Stable Pivot Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling apparatuses face challenges in providing a simple and stable construction for mounting a coupling element on a vehicle, which is essential for securely attaching trailers or load carriers.
Innovation Solution
The coupling apparatus features a guide body with guide surfaces that extend parallel to the pivot axis, allowing for stable guidance of the carrier element, and a connecting unit formed by flange elements that can be easily adapted to various vehicle geometries, ensuring a secure and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional mounting structure is used for the coupling element, then the construction is simpler, but the stability and guidance of pivot movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into separate functional components: a guide body with guide surfaces for stable pivot movement, bearing cheeks for mounting the coupling element, and a connecting unit with flange elements for vehicle attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide body extends in a direction parallel to the pivot axis, adding a dimensional element that provides guidance along the entire pivot movement path. This extends the guidance function from a single point to a linear path, improving stability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact guidance structure is used for the carrier element, then the space efficiency improves, but the stability of mounting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surfaces are designed to dynamically follow the pivot movement of the carrier element, providing continuous guidance along the arc of rotation. This dynamic guidance maintains stability throughout the movement range while keeping the structure compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide body combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides guidance surfaces for stable pivot movement, mounting surfaces for the carrier element via bearing cheeks, and structural support for the entire assembly. This merging achieves mounting stability in a compact form.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal connecting unit is used for different vehicle types, then the adaptability improves, but the precision of connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit with flange elements is designed as a universal interface that can be adapted to various vehicle types and geometries. The flange elements provide standardized mounting points that maintain connection precision across different applications while enabling broad versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting unit allows for parameter adjustments in the mounting configuration, such as positioning and orientation of the flange elements, to accommodate different vehicle geometries while maintaining precise connections. This flexibility enables universal applicability without sacrificing connection precision.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to fix the carrier element reliably in an operating position relative to the holding unit, it is proposed that a locking apparatus is arranged on the holding unit, that the locking apparatus is arranged in a housing held on the holding unit, that, by means of a locking body, the locking apparatus fixes the carrier element, at least in an operating position, relative to the holding unit in that the locking body protrudes in a fixing position out of the housing and cooperates with the carrier element.