Hinged Towing Device Single Actuator Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinged towing devices with multiple actuators are heavy and complex due to rigid connections between cam and rotary shaft, and manufacturing precision issues lead to geometric concentricity problems, increasing costs with additional compensating elements.
Innovation Solution
A hinged towing device design that uses a single actuator to tilt the arm automatically without a rigid connection between cam and rotary shaft, featuring a needle bearing, expansion spindle, and torque clutch for controlled movement, with safety features to prevent overloading and ensure precise locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuators with rigid connection between cam and rotary shaft are used, then the towing arm can be controlled reliably, but the device becomes heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rigid connection between the cam and rotary shaft that existed in previous multi-actuator designs. By extracting this rigid mechanical linkage and replacing it with a single actuator controlling the cam that independently actuates the locking elements, the design eliminates unnecessary structural complexity while maintaining control reliability through the flexible cable transmission mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single actuator system. The single actuator operates the cam, which in turn controls multiple locking elements simultaneously through the cable transmission mechanism. This merging reduces the number of actuators from multiple to one, significantly simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliable control over the towing arm positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing precision is increased to ensure geometric concentricity, then the locking mechanism works better, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable as an intermediary transmission element between the cam and the locking elements. This cable transmission mechanism acts as a mediator that decouples the precise geometric requirements from the manufacturing process. The cable can accommodate minor variations in manufacturing tolerances while still transmitting the locking and unlocking forces effectively, thereby reducing the need for expensive high-precision manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from rigid mechanical linkage to flexible cable transmission. This parameter change allows the system to tolerate a broader range of manufacturing tolerances. The cable's flexibility and ability to conform to the cam's movement profile enable reliable operation without requiring extremely precise geometric concentricity, thus lowering production costs.
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 solution reduces weight and complexity while ensuring precise geometric alignment, providing reliable and cost-effective operation with enhanced safety features for automatic towing arm control.
Implementation Method 1
One end of it features a forced-on towing arm, and the other one features a ball. In the middle part of the rotary shaft, there is a bearing diameter for a needle bearing mounting.
Implementation Method 2
The spindle moves in the axis of rotation and rotates with the rotary shaft. The spindle is still pressed in one direction by the springs; in the other direction it is controlled (shifted) by the axial cam
Implementation Method 3
The cam actuator features a rotary axis parallel to the rotary shaft axis but shifted by the cam span diameter radius. The tilting mechanism, including the actuator and end switches protected by covers, is sealed with a gasket and several 'O' rings.
Data Source
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AI summary
The hinged towing device is designed so that the locking mechanism functions automatically, and the subsequent towing arm folding or raising is automatic thanks to only one actuator and without any firm connection between the cam and rotary shaft when the cam unlocks the locking mechanism and simultaneously turns the rotary shaft to its raised and folded positions.