Rear Wall Deflector for Ball Coupling Jamming Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The folding rear wall of tipper vehicles can jam on the ball coupling during unloading, leading to potential damage due to the deflection of the rear wall from its freely swinging position, especially when unloading bulk materials, causing bending or tearing off.

Innovation Solution

A deflector element with a body section and attachment areas is mounted to cover the ball coupling, providing a physical barrier and support for the rear wall, adjustable in length and angle to fit various vehicle designs, and featuring soft contact elements and rollers to prevent damage and smooth movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the ball coupling is installed at the required height for trailer coupling, then the ball coupling can be properly positioned for its intended function, but the folding rear wall can jam on the ball coupling during unloading operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveball coupling positioningVSAvoidrear wall jamming
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A deflector element is introduced as an intermediary component between the ball coupling and the folding rear wall. This deflector has a body section that extends above the ball coupling and covers it on the side facing the rear wall, preventing direct contact between the rear wall and the ball coupling while allowing the ball coupling to remain at its required mounting height for proper trailer coupling operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the deflector element completely covers the ball coupling, then the rear wall is prevented from jamming, but the ball coupling cannot perform its function of coupling trailers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverear wall jamming preventionVSAvoidball coupling functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector element is designed with selective coverage: the body section extends at least partially above the ball coupling and covers it only on the side facing the rear wall. This local coverage prevents rear wall jamming while leaving the top and other sides of the ball coupling exposed and accessible for proper trailer coupling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4122724B1Rear wall deflector
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 FRANZ XAVER MEILLER FAHRZEUG UND MASCHINENFABRIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4122724B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4122724B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a deflector element (100) for use in the area of ​​a hinged rear wall of a tipper vehicle with a ball hitch, comprising a body section (102) which is configured to form a support for the rear wall in its folded-down state when the deflector element (100) is mounted, and a first attachment area (106) which is configured to enable the deflector element (100) to be attached to the ball hitch in order to establish the mounted state, wherein the body section (102) of the deflector element (100) extends at least partially above the ball hitch in the mounted state and covers it at least on the side facing the rear wall.