Pivoting Trailer Hitch for Misaligned Coupler Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer coupling systems face challenges in aligning misaligned trailer couplers and hitch balls, requiring precise manual adjustments and often multiple attempts, even with the aid of backup cameras, which do not provide adequate vertical alignment feedback.
Innovation Solution
The development of a trailer coupling mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom, incorporating a height adjustment assembly, swivel assemblies, and a horizontal pivot assembly, allowing for adjustable alignment and secure locking of the coupler to the hitch ball, enabling easy connection even when the coupler and hitch ball are misaligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed hitch assembly is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot accommodate misaligned couplers and hitch balls, requiring multiple manual adjustment attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly incorporates a pivot assembly that enables dynamic rotation about a horizontal axis, allowing the ball mount to adapt its angle relative to the receiver tube. This dynamic capability lets the system accommodate misaligned couplers by pivoting to the appropriate angle, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch assembly is divided into separable components: a receiver tube, a ball mount, and a pivot assembly with independent rotation capability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity, enabling alignment adaptation without excessive complexity
2Ease of operation
If backup cameras are used to assist alignment, then the driver can see the ball from inside the cab, but the cameras only provide overhead view and do not show vertical alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot assembly incorporates a feedback mechanism where the rotational position of the ball mount provides visual feedback about vertical alignment. As the operator pivots the assembly, the changing angle gives immediate visual indication of whether vertical alignment is being achieved, compensating for the lack of vertical information from overhead cameras
3Manufacturing precision
If precise manual alignment is attempted, then coupling accuracy can be improved, but it requires a driver to back up the vehicle and a spotter outside the vehicle, taking several attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot assembly is pre-configured with multiple rotational positions that correspond to common misalignment scenarios. This preliminary preparation allows the operator to quickly select and adjust to the appropriate angle without time-consuming trial and error, achieving precise coupling in a single attempt
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch assembly is designed to be self-aligning through its pivot capability. The system automatically adapts to misalignment conditions through the mechanical pivot action, eliminating the need for external spotters and reducing reliance on complex coordination between driver and spotter
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer coupling mechanism includes a first end, a second end, a height adjustment assembly, a first swivel assembly, and a second swivel assembly. The first end is adapted to couple to one of a trailer and a vehicle. The second end is adapted to couple to the other of the trailer and the vehicle. The height adjustment assembly is coupled between the first and second ends and is operative to adjust the relative height between the first and second ends. The first swivel assembly is coupled between the height adjustment assembly and the first end and facilitates rotation of the first end with respect to the height adjustment assembly about a first axis. The second swivel assembly is coupled between the second end and the height adjustment assembly and facilitates rotation of the height adjustment assembly with respect to the second end about a second axis parallel to the first axis.