Load Carrier Coupling With Pivot-Mounted Hook Body
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carrier couplings do not consistently maintain an optimal locking position, leading to suboptimal force transmission and stability issues.
Innovation Solution
The load carrier coupling employs pivot-mounted hook bodies with inclined support surfaces that engage transversely to the through-axle, providing a sandwich-like connection and enhanced force transmission, along with an over-center mechanism for secure locking and release, allowing for optimal engagement and disengagement of coupling elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ball locks are provided on the plug-in projections, then the coupling elements can be locked together, but the hold is not always optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The hook body is designed to be pivotable about a pivot axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during the locking process. The hook transitions from an initial position to a locked position where it engages with the abutment surface, creating a stable connection that optimally transmits forces between coupling elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface is arranged at an angle to the through-axle, introducing a transverse dimension to the force transmission. This angular arrangement allows the hook to not only pull in the direction of the through-axle but also to support and brace the coupling elements transversely, enhancing overall connection strength.
2Ease of operation
If the hook body is pivot-mounted, then operation is simplified, but the mechanism requires precise geometric relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is designed with a specific angle relative to the through-axle, and the actuating force is applied at a specific distance from the pivot axis. These parameter changes optimize the mechanical advantage and ensure reliable engagement while maintaining ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If support surfaces are arranged at an angle to the through-axle, then transverse support is provided, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hook body serves multiple functions: it acts as a pulling element in the direction of the through-axle, provides transverse support through the angled support surface, and enables simplified operation through pivot-mounted design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
This configuration ensures a secure, stable connection between the load carrier and vehicle, providing reliable force transmission and easy operation, while maintaining the coupling elements in an optimal locking position.
Implementation Method 1
The hook body (51) is mounted on the plug-in part (41) to be pivotable about a pivot axis (D1)
Implementation Method 2
at least one support surface (79, 87, 88) which is supported in the locking position on at least one abutment surface (80, 89)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a load carrier coupling (10) for coupling a rear load carrier to a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, wherein the load carrier coupling comprises a vehicle coupling element (20) provided for attachment to or arranged on the motor vehicle and a load carrier coupling element (40) arranged on or provided for attachment to the load carrier, wherein the coupling elements (20, 40) comprise a plug-in part (41) and a plug-in receptacle (20) which can be plugged into one another along a plug-in axis (S), wherein the load carrier coupling has a positive locking element arrangement (50) with at least one movable positive locking element (54) that can be driven by an actuating arrangement (60) for engaging in a positive locking receptacle (56),wherein the positive locking element arrangement (50) assumes a locking position (V) when the at least one positive locking element (54) engages in the positive locking receptacle (56) and blocks the coupling elements (20, 40) from being separated from each other with respect to the insertion axis (S), and otherwise assumes a release position (L) and allows the coupling elements (20, 40) to be separated from each other. It is provided that the at least one positive locking element (54) forms a component of a hook body (51) pivotally arranged about a pivot axis (D1) on one coupling element (40), which in the locking position (V) engages in a hook receptacle (55) on the other coupling element for hooking along the insertion axis (S) and is supported with at least one support surface on at least one abutment surface (89) of this other coupling element transversely to the insertion axis (S).