Pivot Trailer Coupling Sleeve for Ground Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailer coupling devices in vehicles have a visible ball neck receiving sleeve when not in use, which is aesthetically unpleasing and reduces ground clearance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pivot bearing unit that allows the ball neck receiving sleeve to pivot from a working position to a rest position, where it is hidden from view and positioned higher than in the working position, improving appearance and ground clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the ball neck receiving sleeve is fixedly connected to the vehicle body, then the coupling device is structurally simple and reliable, but the ball neck receiving sleeve is always visible and disturbs the visual appearance when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The ball neck receiving sleeve is made movable through a pivot bearing unit, allowing it to rotate between a working position (visible, accessible) and a rest position (hidden, inaccessible). This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by making the component visible only when needed for coupling operations.
2Shape
If the ball neck receiving sleeve is made movable to improve appearance, then visual appearance and ground clearance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pivot bearing unit is introduced to enable rotation of the ball neck receiving sleeve between working and rest positions. This mechanical solution adds minimal complexity while achieving the dual benefits of improved appearance and ground clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball neck receiving sleeve is moved from a fixed two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional configuration that includes rotational movement. This allows the component to be positioned out of the visible region while maintaining functional accessibility when needed.
3Length of stationary object
If the ball neck receiving sleeve is positioned higher in the rest position to improve ground clearance, then ground clearance is increased, but the insertion opening becomes less accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot bearing unit enables the ball neck receiving sleeve to be positioned high in the rest position for improved ground clearance, while allowing easy rotation to a lower working position where the insertion opening is fully accessible for coupling operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide a trailer coupling device for motor vehicles, comprising a rear-side cross member which is mountable on a vehicle body, a supporting unit provided on the cross member which holds a ball neck receiving sleeve having a ball neck receptacle in which a ball neck incorporating a coupling ball is insertable and fixable therein, in which the ball neck receiving sleeve is minimally visible and disturbing when the ball neck is not inserted, it is proposed that the supporting unit comprises a pivot bearing unit by means of which the ball neck receiving sleeve is pivotable from a working position in which the ball neck is insertable therein in order to use a trailer, into a rest position in which an insertion opening of the ball neck receiving sleeve is arranged outside a visible region.