Self-Locking Electric Trailer Hitch for Heavy-Load Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric trailer hitches face challenges in providing sufficient self-locking strength to secure heavy loads, such as 1,500 kg, during the hitching process, leading to potential disengagement of the hitched object.
Innovation Solution
A self-lockable electric trailer hitching apparatus with a self-locking assembly between the transmission assembly and the mounting bracket, which limits rotation when the trailer hitch body is at the operating position, ensuring secure holding, and a limiting assembly to control the rotating stroke, enhancing hitching stability and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the electric motor's self-locking force is relied upon to hold the trailer hitch body, then the structure remains simple, but the self-locking strength is insufficient for heavy loads of 1,500 kg
Solution Approach 1:
A self-locking assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the transmission assembly and the mounting bracket. This assembly includes a locking block that engages with a locking groove on the transmission shaft, providing enhanced self-locking capability to securely hold the trailer hitch body at the operating position under heavy loads of 1,500 kg, while the mounting bracket serves as the mediator connecting the locked transmission assembly to the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking function is segmented into a dedicated self-locking assembly rather than relying solely on the electric motor's inherent self-locking capability. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be independently optimized for heavy load conditions while keeping the overall system structure modular and manageable
2Reliability
If the transmission assembly is allowed to rotate freely during operation, then the operation is smooth, but the trailer hitch body may loosen or become unstable during hitching
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between two states: during operation, the transmission assembly rotates freely to enable smooth movement of the trailer hitch body; when the trailer hitch body reaches the operating position, the self-locking assembly automatically engages to prevent loosening. This dynamic state change ensures both operational smoothness and hitching stability
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking assembly is pre-positioned and prepared to engage automatically when the trailer hitch body reaches the operating position. The locking block is ready to engage with the locking groove, ensuring that stabilization action is taken preliminarily and automatically at the critical moment to prevent loosening
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
The self-lockable design ensures stable hitching by securely holding the trailer hitch body at the operating position, preventing disengagement even under heavy loads, and allows smooth operation by reversing the electric motor to unlock and return to the resting position.
Implementation Method 1
a power system actuating the trailer hitch body to rotate, and a mounting bracket secured to a vehicle, wherein the power system comprises an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
a self-locking assembly is provided between the transmission assembly and the mounting bracket, such that when the trailer hitch body is at the operating position, the self-locking assembly is self-locked to limit the transmission assembly from rotating
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a self-lockable electric trailer hitch apparatus, which relates to the technical field of trailer hitching apparatuses. The self-lockable electric trailer hitching apparatus comprises: a trailer hitch body rotatably switching between a resting position and an operating position, a power system actuating the trailer hitch body to rotate, and a mounting bracket secured to a vehicle. The power system comprises an electric motor, and a transmission assembly rotating by drive of the electric motor and drive the trailer hitch body to rotate. The transmission assembly is mounted on the mounting bracket and rotatable relative to the mounting bracket. A self-locking assembly is provided between the transmission assembly and the mounting bracket. When the trailer hitch body is at the operating position, the self-locking assembly is self-locked to limit the transmission assembly from rotation. The self-locking assembly, after being self-locked, limits rotation of the transmission assembly such that the transmission assembly no longer drives the trailer hitch body to rotate, thereby securely holding the trailer hitch body at the operating position, which improves hitching stability and security and ensures smooth proceeding of the hitching process.