Towing Coupling Sensor Follower Actuation for Low-Load Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for towing vehicle couplings lack an efficient mechanism to adjust the follower position relative to the coupling mating element, leading to increased mechanical load during coupling and disengagement processes, which complicates the engagement and disengagement of the coupling elements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an actuator that adjusts the follower between a follower position closer to the coupling mating element and a release position further away, allowing for controlled movement by a control device, which can be actuated electrically or mechanically, to reduce mechanical load and facilitate easier coupling and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the follower is held in contact with the coupling mating element during coupling and disengagement, then the sensor device can detect rotational position, but the mechanical load on the follower increases
Solution Approach 1:
The follower is made dynamically adjustable between a sensing position (where it contacts the coupling mating element for detection) and a release position (where it is moved away to reduce mechanical load). This dynamic repositioning allows the system to alternate between measurement mode and low-load mode, resolving the contradiction between maintaining measurement capability and reducing mechanical stress during coupling operations.
2Force
If the follower is moved away from the coupling mating element to reduce mechanical load, then the mechanical load decreases, but the ability to sense rotation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The follower is preliminarily positioned in the sensing position before coupling occurs, allowing it to be properly aligned and ready for detection. After coupling is complete, the follower is then moved to the release position. This preliminary positioning ensures the sensor is ready to detect rotation without bearing excessive load during the coupling process itself.
3Force
If an actuator is added to adjust the follower position, then the mechanical load on the follower is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is implemented as an electric or electronic device that replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. By using an electric motor or electronic actuator controlled by a control device, the system achieves follower position adjustment with simpler, more reliable components compared to traditional mechanical linkages, cam mechanisms, or spring systems that would be required to provide the same functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device for a towing vehicle coupling or forming part of a towing vehicle coupling with which a trailer vehicle can be coupled to a towing vehicle wherein the towing vehicle coupling has a coupling element for releasably coupling a coupling mating element, which can be secured to the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle, and when coupled together can rotate relative to one another about at least one joint rotational axis, forming a joint, where the sensor device has a follower mounted on a bearing body such that it can rotate relative to the coupling element about a follower rotational axis; can be rotatably carried about the follower rotational axis, by the rotation of the coupling mating element about the at least one joint rotational axis, to sense a rotation of the coupling mating element relative to the coupling element about the at least one joint rotational axis, and the sensor device has at least one sensor for sensing a respective rotational position of the follower relative to the bearing body in relation to the follower rotational axis.