Magnetic Trailer Connector Alignment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connection systems for trailers and towing vehicles are cumbersome due to the need to align and twist the plug contacts, making the connection process inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A plug connection system utilizing a magnet arrangement to facilitate the alignment and secure connection of the connectors, allowing for easier handling and operation, with features like magnetic attraction or repulsion to assist in the plugging process and guide means for correct orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional plug connection systems are used with sockets and pin contacts, then electrical connection between towing vehicle and trailer is achieved, but the connection process becomes awkward and inconvenient requiring alignment and twisting movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical plug connection system with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets embedded in the connector housings create magnetic attraction forces that automatically guide and secure the connectors together, eliminating the need for manual alignment and twisting movements required by traditional socket-and-pin systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system enables self-alignment and self-securing of the connectors. The magnetic attraction automatically guides the connectors into proper alignment and holds them securely in place without requiring manual manipulation or complex alignment procedures by the user.
2Shape
If the towing vehicle connector is concealed behind the bumper for aesthetic purposes, then visual appearance is improved, but accessibility and operation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system allows the connector to be concealed behind the bumper while maintaining ease of operation. The strong magnetic attraction automatically draws the connectors together even when positioned in a concealed location, eliminating the need for manual manipulation that would be difficult if the connector were hidden.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard DIN 1724 or ISO 11446 connectors are used, then compatibility with existing trailers is achieved, but the connection process remains awkward and requires twisting movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the standard DIN 1724 or ISO 11446 mechanical connection system with a magnetic coupling system that eliminates twisting movements. The magnetic attraction provides automatic alignment and secure connection without requiring the manual manipulation and twisting that characterizes conventional connector systems.
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 system simplifies the connection process, ensuring reliable and secure engagement of the connectors while allowing for easy operation, even when concealed behind a bumper, and supports both contact-based and contactless data and energy transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The two plug connectors ( 30 , 50 ) are acted upon towards one another by a magnet arrangement ( 45 ), with which the plug-in projection ( 55 ) is attracted towards the plug-in receptacle ( 35 ) or is repelled by the latter
Implementation Method 2
The two plug connectors ( 30 , 50 ) are acted upon towards one another by a magnet arrangement ( 45 ), with which the plug-in projection ( 55 ) is attracted towards the plug-in receptacle ( 35 ) or is repelled by the latter
Data Source
Figure 1~10
Figure 2~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug connection system (10) for electrically connecting a trailer (90) to a towing vehicle, wherein the plug connection system (10) comprises a trailer connector (50) with an electrical trailer interface (51) for an on-board network (92) of the trailer and a towing vehicle connector (30) with an electrical towing vehicle interface for an on-board network (82) of the towing vehicle, wherein one of the connectors has a plug projection (55) arranged on its connector housing and the other connector (30, 50) has a plug receptacle (35) arranged on its connector housing for plugging in the plug projection (55) along a plug axis (S), wherein the connectors have cooperating electrical transmission elements (38; 58) for transmitting data and/or energy from one connector (30, 50) to the other connector.The connector system (10) is provided to have a magnetic arrangement (45) with at least one magnetic element (46) arranged on one connector and at least one magnetic counter-element (66) arranged on the other connector which interacts magnetically with the magnetic element (46) for applying force to the plug projection (55) for plug reception (35) in the direction of the plug axis (S) and/or in the sense of a torque about the plug axis (S).