Coupling Sensor for Vehicle Towing Connection Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling arrangements for vehicles often fail to clearly indicate whether a traction-transmitting coupling connection has been established, leading to potential collisions and unintended disconnection of auxiliary connections during the coupling process, especially under imprecise or high-speed approaches.
Innovation Solution
A clutch arrangement equipped with sensors that detect the relative position of the coupling means and counter-coupling means, allowing operators to verify the successful establishment of a coupling connection through a detection signal, with the sensor positioned to monitor the clutch position range independently of the clutch arrangement's operating states, and outputting a signal indicative of the detection result.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coupling arrangements rely on mechanical displacement of release levers to indicate coupling status, then the structure remains simple, but the reliability of coupling status indication deteriorates under imprecise or high-speed approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sensor system that provides real-time feedback about the relative position of coupling means and counter-coupling means. The sensor detects whether the coupling connection is properly established and communicates this status to the operator, creating a closed-loop feedback system that eliminates the unreliability of purely mechanical indication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical release lever displacement system with an electronic sensor-based detection system. Instead of relying on mechanical movement of the release lever to indicate coupling status, the system uses sensors to detect the actual relative position of coupling components and provides electronic feedback about the coupling status.
2Ease of operation
If the clutch readiness position range is made larger to accommodate imprecise approaches, then the ease of operation improves, but the measurement precision of coupling position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic detection system that continuously monitors the relative position of coupling means throughout the coupling process. The sensor system adapts to different stages of coupling (approach, engagement, locking) and provides appropriate feedback at each stage, allowing the system to accommodate a wide range of approach positions while maintaining precise detection of the final coupled state.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling arrangement for the detachable coupling of a towing vehicle with a trailing vehicle comprises: - a drawbar eye (112, 114) connected to one of the two vehicles and - a counter-coupling means (120) connected to the other vehicle, wherein the coupling means (112, 114) and the counter-coupling means (120) are connectable to and unconnectable from each other to establish a coupling connection, wherein the drawbar eye (112, 114) is in a predetermined coupling position range when it is located within the drawbar eye receptacle (126) and passes through or is at least passable through the coupling pin (118), wherein the counter-coupling means (120) has a coupling body (122) with a drawbar eye receptacle (126) into which the drawbar eye (114) can be inserted to establish the coupling connection, and a coupling pin (118) which is adjustable between an open position and a closed position. Closed position,wherein the coupling arrangement (110) further comprises a sensor (142, 144) which is designed and arranged to detect whether the drawbar eye (112, 114) is in the coupling position range or not, which is characterized in that the coupling arrangement has a locking jaw (132) pivotable about a coupling bolt longitudinal axis and the sensor (142, 144) is attached to the locking jaw (132).