Sliding Trailer Hitch for Tighter Turns and Axle Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural work vehicles face challenges with large trailers having a large turning circle, complex wheel weight assembly and disassembly, limited axle load adjustment, and poor visibility during hitching processes due to conventional towing devices.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch with a longitudinally displaceable coupling member actuated by a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, combined with a guide element and sensors for optimal positioning, allowing for reduced turning circle, adjustable axle load, and improved hitching visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional fixed coupling member is used, then the structure is simple, but the turning circle is large and visibility during hitching is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed to be longitudinally displaceable relative to the vehicle along the longitudinal central plane, transforming from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the coupling member to move forward or backward to achieve optimal visibility for the driver during hitching operations, while maintaining structural simplicity through guided linear motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is divided into separable components: the coupling member that can be displaced independently from the vehicle body. This segmentation allows the coupling member to be positioned optimally for visibility without affecting the overall structural integrity of the vehicle, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural simplicity.
2Force
If wheel weights are mounted on rear wheel rims to optimize weight and axle load, then axle load optimization is achieved, but the mass moment of inertia increases negatively impacting acceleration and braking
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding weight to the wheels (radial dimension), the invention displaces the coupling member along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle (longitudinal dimension). This shifts the axle load distribution through positional adjustment rather than mass addition, achieving load optimization without increasing the mass moment of inertia of the wheels, thus preserving acceleration and braking performance.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling member is made visible from the cab, then hitching process is facilitated, but the coupling member may interfere with vehicle operations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member's longitudinal displacement is controlled based on feedback regarding its position relative to the vehicle and surrounding objects. Sensors or position indicators provide information about the coupling member's location, allowing it to be displaced to an optimal visible position for hitching, then returned to a retracted position that prevents interference with vehicle operations, thus resolving the contradiction between visibility and interference.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces the turning circle of the trailer, enables continuous axle load adjustment, and enhances visibility during hitching, resulting in improved driving and braking stability and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
actuated by a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
actuated by a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a trailer hitch (2) for an agricultural vehicle (1). The trailer hitch (2) comprises a coupling element (14). The coupling element (14) is slidably arranged. It is connected to an actuator (3) for displacement.