Removable Cross-Member Trailer Hitch for Bumper Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer hitch systems for motor vehicles compromise the energy absorption properties of the vehicle's bumper, leading to worsened accident behavior, especially at low speeds, and require additional fastening structures for bicycle carriers, increasing construction complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A modular carrier system with a removable cross-member arrangement that can be retrofitted to existing vehicles, featuring a U-shaped or fork-like structure with plug-in sections and locking mechanisms, allowing for flexible attachment of trailers and load carriers while enhancing energy absorption and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional cross members are installed to support the trailer hitch, then the trailer hitch can be securely mounted, but the energy absorption properties of the bumper are compromised and accident behavior worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate holders mounted on longitudinal members rather than a continuous cross member. This segmentation allows the bumper to deform independently during impact while still providing secure mounting points for the trailer hitch when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder arrangement allows the cross member to be removable, transforming the static support structure into a dynamic one. The structure can adapt between providing rigid support for towing and allowing bumper deformation for energy absorption during accidents.
2Reliability
If additional fastening structures are added to secure the bicycle carrier, then the carrier attachment reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder arrangement with standardized mounting points on the longitudinal members serves multiple functions: securing trailers, mounting bicycle carriers, and providing structural support. This universal interface eliminates the need for additional specialized fastening structures for different carrier types.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed cross member structure is used for the trailer hitch, then the hitch stability improves, but the vehicle weight increases and fuel consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The cross member is designed to be removable rather than fixed, allowing the vehicle to operate in a lighter configuration when towing is not needed. The longitudinal members provide sufficient structural support without requiring a permanent cross member, reducing weight while maintaining hitch stability when the cross member is installed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional trailer hitches are installed, then trailer coupling capability is provided, but the rear deformation areas cannot effectively absorb impact energy
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the hitch mounting function from the bumper structure through independently mounted holders on longitudinal members, the bumper's deformation capability is preserved. The segmented design allows the bumper to absorb impact energy while the holders provide secure mounting points for trailer coupling when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The arrangement has retainers (18, 19) arranged on longitudinal sides (64, 65) of motor vehicle (14) e.g. passenger car, in a rear region at a bodywork (22) of the motor vehicle. Retaining arms (15, 15', 16, 16') run in an area of the retainers in a longitudinal extension direction of the motor vehicle in a mounting condition. Cross beam arrangements (17, 17') are arranged behind a rear end (23) i.e. rear-bumper, of the motor vehicle. An electrical carrier-contact device is electrically connected with an electrical retaining-contact device on the motor vehicle.