Modular Trailer Hitch With Universal Bearing Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitches are not easily adaptable to different vehicle types, making them unsuitable for retrofitting, as they are typically designed for specific vehicle configurations and operating mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A modular trailer hitch system where the bearing module is standardized, and add-on components such as the coupling carrier and drive are designed to be vehicle-typical, with adjustable features like pivotable and displaceable dome carriers, various drive types, and assembly interfaces with rotary angle coding to ensure correct angular positioning and secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a standardized trailer hitch design is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced and production efficiency increases, but adaptability to different vehicle types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer hitch is divided into a standardized bearing module and vehicle-specific adapter components. The bearing module contains the core mechanism that can be mass-produced, while adapters are customized for different vehicle types and mounted on the bearing module, enabling both efficient production and vehicle-specific adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing module is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple vehicle types through the use of interchangeable adapter components. This allows a single standardized design to be adapted to various vehicle configurations, maintaining both production efficiency and versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle-specific trailer hitch designs are manufactured for each motor vehicle type, then adaptability to different vehicle types is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the trailer hitch into a standardized bearing module and vehicle-specific adapters, the overall structural complexity is reduced. The standardized module can be mass-produced with simple manufacturing processes, while only the adapters require customization for different vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration where different adapter components can be mounted on the standardized bearing module to suit different vehicle types. This dynamic adaptability reduces the need for multiple complete designs, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If retrofitting a standard trailer hitch on a different vehicle type is attempted, then production costs are reduced, but reliability and proper operation deteriorate due to poor adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
Adapter components serve as intermediaries between the standardized bearing module and the specific vehicle type. These adapters ensure proper mechanical connection, alignment, and functionality, maintaining operational reliability while enabling cost-effective retrofitting of different vehicle types.
Data Source
Figure 1~20
Figure 2~6
Figure 7~19
AI summary
The invention relates to a trailer coupling for a motor vehicle, in particular for a passenger car, with a bearing module (11; 111) comprising a bearing base (12; 112) arranged on a support (19; 119) to be attached to the rear of the motor vehicle, and a bearing element (13; 113) movably mounted on the bearing base (12; 112), on which a coupling support with a coupling element (31) for coupling a trailer or load carrier is arranged, wherein the bearing module (11;111) the coupling support between an operating position (B), in which the coupling element (31) projects in front of the rear of the motor vehicle for coupling a trailer or load carrier, and a non-use position (N), in which the coupling element (31) is adjusted towards the rear of the motor vehicle, in particular arranged behind a bumper, wherein a drive is provided for actuating a locking device (14) of the coupling element (31) at least in the operating position or for adjusting the coupling element (31) between the non-use position (N) and the operating position. The bearing module (11; 111) forms a basic module for a modular system (10). The bearing element (13;113) a dome support mounting interface (21) for the dome support, which is designed for the optional mounting of a dome support of a first type or a dome support of at least a second type, which differs from the dome support of the first type.;