Trailer Hitch Coupling Detection with Inspection Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack effective methods to ensure proper coupling of a trailer to a trailer hitch assembly, leading to potential vehicle damage and safety hazards due to improper locking configurations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based system that includes sensors to monitor the position of the kingpin and locking mechanism, a control circuit to determine proper alignment and locking, and light sources to provide visual feedback to the operator, indicating proper or improper coupling configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor-based monitoring and lighting systems are added to the trailer hitch assembly, then coupling safety and inspection capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: sensors for detecting coupling status, control circuitry for processing sensor signals, and lighting elements for visual indication. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall reliability while making the complex system easier to install and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor the coupling status and providing real-time visual feedback through lighting elements. This feedback mechanism ensures the operator is immediately informed of proper or improper coupling, enhancing safety without requiring complex manual inspection procedures.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and light sources are integrated into the hitch assembly, then coupling detection accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of coupling status before final connection is complete. Sensors detect the presence and position of the kingpin and locking mechanism in advance, allowing the system to prepare appropriate visual indications and alert operators to any issues before they become safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry acts as an intermediary that processes signals from multiple sensors and coordinates the activation of lighting elements. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by centralizing the logic for determining proper coupling and controlling the visual feedback, making manufacturing and calibration more manageable.
3Illumination intensity
If lighting elements are positioned proximate to the throat and kingpin, then visual inspection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Lighting elements are positioned locally at the throat and kingpin areas where illumination is most needed for visual inspection. This localized placement provides targeted lighting exactly where the operator needs to see coupling details, improving inspection capability without requiring comprehensive lighting of the entire hitch assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting elements are integrated with the existing hitch assembly structure, combining the illumination function with the mechanical components. This merging approach allows the lighting to be installed alongside other hitch components without requiring separate mounting structures, reducing overall installation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring a trailer hitch assembly includes a first sensor sensing the position of a kingpin of a trailer relative to a throat of a hitch plate, a second sensor sensing a position of the locking mechanism movable between locked and unlocked positions, a control circuit coupled with the first sensor and determining whether the first sensor indicates a proper location of the kingpin relative to the throat and whether the second sensor indicates that the locking mechanism is in the locked position, and a light source proximate the throat of the kingpin and activated when the control circuit determines that the kingpin is properly located and that the locking mechanism is in the locked position, such that the light source illuminates the throat and the kingpin assisting visual inspection of the position of the kingpin relative to the throat.