Snap Ring Trailer Coupling Connection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for trailer hitches and load carriers face challenges in assembly complexity, precise angular alignment requirements, and susceptibility to torsional loads, which can lead to damage and increased costs due to hardening processes.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device utilizing a snap ring with radial play that adapts to available space for easy assembly, allowing for orientation flexibility and incorporating expansion and compression bevels/cones for secure fitting without precise alignment, along with rotary stops for torsion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a pin or screw connection is used to connect the bolt component to the receiving component, then high tensile strength is achieved, but precise angular alignment is required and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring is designed as a flexible, elastic component that can dynamically adapt its shape during assembly. It can be compressed radially to pass through the receiving component and then expands to engage with both the bolt component and receiving component, automatically accommodating angular misalignments while maintaining a secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The snap ring utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change mechanism. During assembly, the snap ring is compressed (changing its radial dimension) to fit through the receiving component, then expands back to its original shape to engage with both components. This parameter change allows the connection to be made without precise angular alignment while still achieving high tensile strength
2Strength
If the displacement head is hardened to ensure strength, then tensile strength is improved, but the thread narrows during hardening and may lose mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into two distinct components: the displacement head which is hardened for strength, and the bolt component which remains soft and mobile. The snap ring acts as a flexible intermediary that connects these two components with different material properties, allowing each component to be optimized independently for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
Different material qualities are applied to different parts of the system. The displacement head is locally hardened (through carburizing or similar processes) only in the regions requiring high strength, while the bolt component maintains its soft, mobile properties. The snap ring provides a flexible connection between these regions of different local qualities
3Manufacturing precision
If drilling holes for connecting split pin is done after carburizing for hardening, then the bore diameter fits, but assembly complexity increases and post-processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring connection is designed to be made before the displacement head undergoes hardening treatment. The snap ring's elastic properties allow it to be installed on the soft bolt component and received by the soft displacement head, creating a preliminary connection that maintains alignment and positioning throughout the subsequent hardening process without requiring post-hardening assembly adjustments
4Reliability
If the bolt component and receiving component are oriented at correct angles, then proper connection is achieved, but assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring provides a dynamic, self-adjusting connection that can accommodate various angular orientations between the bolt component and receiving component. As the snap ring expands after being compressed during assembly, it naturally finds its engagement position, eliminating the need for precise angular alignment while maintaining a reliable connection
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system combines rigid components (bolt component and receiving component) with a flexible elastic element (snap ring). This composite structure allows the rigid components to maintain their structural integrity while the flexible snap ring absorbs angular misalignments and orientation variations, achieving reliable connection without precise angular precision
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
Enables simple, secure, and tension-resistant connections with reduced assembly complexity and torsional load resistance, allowing for relative rotation and ensuring high tensile strength between components.
Implementation Method 1
The snap ring (91) is springy and has radial play, so that it adapts itself to the available space due to its springy property
Implementation Method 2
The bolt component has an expansion bevel or a cone for expanding the snap ring when it is pushed onto the bolt component
Implementation Method 3
The receiving component has a compression bevel or a compression cone for compressing the snap ring when it is inserted into the plug-in receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4
AI summary
The device has bolt component and mounting component supports provided as annular grooves (73, 83), which are adapted to a snap ring. The bolt component support and/or the mounting component support comprises depth. The ring does not stay in a clamping position before the supports. A bolt component (70a) is inserted into a connector base (81). The bolt component support is partially engaged in the mounting component support at a fastening position for a high tensile connection of a support component (80a) with the bolt component with respect to a connector axis.