Smart Trailer Coupler with Sensor Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle trailer coupler systems face issues with size mismatches between hitch balls and couplers, leading to poor connections and inadvertent decoupling during travel, as even small mismatches can result in improper seating and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A smart trailer coupler system equipped with sensors and a signal system that provides visual and audible alerts to ensure size compatibility between the hitch ball and coupler, using proximity sensors and RFID technology to detect and indicate proper seating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball and coupler are matched with precise size compatibility, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for sensors and alert systems
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs preliminary detection of ball and coupler size compatibility before the connection is made. The sensors measure dimensions and compare them against compatibility criteria, providing advance warning if a mismatch is detected, allowing the user to correct the issue before attempting connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback through visual and audible alerts when a size mismatch is detected. The control system processes sensor data and generates alerts that inform the user of incompatibility, enabling real-time correction of the connection setup.
2Reliability
If sensors and signal systems are added to detect size compatibility, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with electronic sensors that use optical or electromagnetic fields to detect ball and coupler dimensions. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining detection accuracy, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to detect multiple parameters (ball diameter, coupler size, compatibility) using a single integrated platform. The control system handles both measurement and alert generation functions, reducing the need for separate components and lowering overall manufacturing cost.
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 system effectively prevents size mismatch-related issues by providing real-time alerts, ensuring a secure and stable connection between the towing vehicle and trailer, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor comprises a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor
Implementation Method 2
one of the hitch ball and the coupler includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and the other of the hitch ball and the coupler includes an RFID reader
Data Source
AI summary
A smart trailer coupler system includes a ball mount connectable to a vehicle, a hitch ball mechanically connected to the ball mount, a coupler selectively connectable to the hitch ball, and at least one sensor mounted to one of the ball mount, the hitch ball and the coupler. The at least one sensor detects a size compatibility between the coupler and the hitch ball. A signal system is operatively connected to the at least one sensor. The signal system provides at least one of a visual alert and an audible alert of the size compatibility between the hitch ball and the coupler.