Pivotable Towing Device with Superimposed Rotary Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing devices face challenges in simplifying wiring and control of drive motors, achieving favorable drive kinematics, and ensuring operational reliability and accuracy, while also requiring complex construction and potential wear issues due to two-axis movement of the drawbar.
Innovation Solution
A swiveling trailer hitch design with a single rotating output shaft drive motor housed in a space-saving manner, featuring a device for superimposed rotational movement of the pull rod, improved locking mechanisms, and a frame that supports loads effectively, allowing for clearer kinematic assignment and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the drive motor is fixed to the frame with a single rotating output shaft, then wiring and control are simplified and construction complexity is reduced, but the device must achieve two-axis movement of the drawbar through a mechanical drive system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mechanical drive system with movable components that dynamically adjust the drawbar position between operating and rest positions. The drive motor rotates about a first axis while the drawbar pivots about a second axis, creating dynamic motion that simplifies wiring and control while achieving the required two-axis movement through coordinated mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the drive motor and mechanical drive components into an integrated assembly that performs multiple functions. The single drive motor with rotating output shaft merges the functions of generating rotational movement and controlling drawbar positioning, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational capability through combined mechanical elements.
2Reliability
If a mechanical drive system is used to achieve two-axis movement of the drawbar, then operational reliability and accuracy are improved, but wear and construction complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-axis mechanical drive systems with a simplified system where a single drive motor generates rotational movement that is mechanically transmitted to achieve two-axis drawbar movement. This substitution reduces the number of mechanical components and potential wear points while maintaining operational reliability through optimized mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical drive system is segmented into distinct functional components: the drive motor generating rotational movement about a first axis, and the drawbar pivoting about a second axis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving reliability while reducing overall construction complexity through modular design.
3Manufacturing precision
If the drawbar is designed for two-axis movement with superimposed movements, then kinematic precision and operational safety are improved, but the device size and construction effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves two-axis movement by introducing a second rotational dimension: the drive motor rotates about a first axis while the drawbar pivots about a second axis. This dimensional approach enables precise kinematic control and operational safety through superimposed movements without requiring a larger device volume, as the motion is achieved through rotational degrees of freedom rather than linear extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawbar assembly is designed with multi-functionality to perform both rotational movement about the first axis and pivoting about the second axis. This universal design allows a single compact structure to achieve complex kinematic precision and operational safety requirements through integrated multi-axis capability, avoiding the need for separate mechanisms that would increase device size.
Data Source
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AI summary
The drive motor (17) is arranged in a fixed position relative to the frame. A device (19) producing superimposed rotary motion, includes a swinging body (22) pivoted on the frame (4). The tow bar (11) is mounted to turn in this body. The swinging body (22) is coupled to the drive motor, for turning. The turning device (19) includes gearing (20) which couples the swinging- (24) and rotary axes.