Trailer Coupling Force Detection via Reference Finger
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling units for trailer hitches of motor vehicles lack a reliable method to detect forces acting on the clutch ball during operation, which affects driving behavior and load measurement.
Innovation Solution
A coupling unit with a force-absorbing structure featuring a channel and a reference finger that interacts with a sensor unit to detect relative position changes, allowing for precise measurement of deformations caused by forces acting on the clutch ball.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling unit is equipped with force detection capability, then the reliability of load measurement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force sensors with a deformation-based detection system. A reference finger is positioned at a distance from the force-absorbing structure, and its relative position changes are measured by a sensor unit, converting direct force measurement into position measurement of a deformable element.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference finger acts as an intermediary element between the force-absorbing structure and the sensor unit. It translates structural deformations into measurable position changes, allowing indirect but reliable force detection without requiring the sensor to directly contact or withstand the full force.
2Measurement precision
If the reference finger is positioned close to the force-absorbing structure for sensitive detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reference finger becomes susceptible to temperature deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The reference finger is extracted from direct contact with the force-absorbing structure and positioned at a distance within the channel. This separation allows it to sense deformations through the channel geometry without being directly exposed to temperature-induced expansions or contractions of the force-absorbing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure serves as a protective environment for the reference finger, shielding it from direct temperature exposure while still allowing it to detect deformations of the force-absorbing structure through relative position changes.
3Strength
If the channel is completely enclosed for structural integrity, then the strength is improved, but the reference finger cannot be positioned without contact
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is designed with localized openings or gaps at specific positions where the reference finger needs to be positioned. This allows the reference finger to extend into the channel without contact in critical areas while maintaining the enclosed structure for overall structural integrity in other areas.
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 simple and reliable detection of forces acting on the coupling unit, improving the accuracy of load measurement and driving behavior assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit which detects a relative position of the second end relative to an area of the force-absorbing structure that encompasses it
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In order to provide a coupling unit for a motor vehicle trailer coupling, comprising a coupling ball and a coupling ball carrier supporting the coupling ball, with which the forces acting on it during operation can be detected in a simple and reliable manner, it is proposed that the coupling unit has a force-receiving structure which encompasses a channel extending parallel to an axis, and that a reference finger extending in a longitudinal direction approximately parallel to the axis from a first end to a second end is arranged in the channel, which is fixed at the first end relative to the force-receiving structure and extends to the second end free from deformations of the force-receiving structure, and that the second end interacts with a sensor unit.which captures a relative position of the second end relative to an area of the force-absorbing structure encompassing it.