Tapered Bushing Hinge Tightening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer drawbar hinge tightening mechanisms face challenges in accurately applying resistance against rotation, particularly with prior art designs where bushings do not remain centered as resistance increases, and it is difficult to exert precise pressure on pins.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring tapered inwardly abutting bores and compressible tapered bushings, with an elongate cylindrical pin and collars, utilizes a tightening mechanism that compresses the bushings against the pin to provide adjustable resistance, ensuring the bushings remain centered and maintain uniform tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a tapered pin is pushed into a tapered bore to provide resistance, then resistance against rotation is increased, but the bushings do not remain centered in the hinge as resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric tapered bores that are tapered inwardly toward one another, creating a geometric configuration where the taper angle and direction are specifically designed to maintain bushing centering while providing resistance. The asymmetric arrangement of the tapered bores ensures that the compressive forces are distributed uniformly, preventing the bushings from shifting off-center as resistance increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes compressible tapered bushings whose physical parameters (compression ratio, taper angle, material properties) are specifically designed to maintain centering under load. By changing the parameters of the bushings (making them compressible and tapered), the system achieves both resistance generation and centering maintenance simultaneously.
2Force
If bushings are squeezed radially against a pin to provide resistance, then resistance against rotation is increased, but it is difficult to accurately exert the desired pressure on the pin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tightening mechanism that includes a compression member positioned between the housing and the bushings. This intermediary component allows for controlled and accurate application of compressive force to the bushings, enabling precise pressure control on the pin. The compression member acts as a mediator that translates rotational input into controlled linear compression, providing accurate pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic tightening mechanism where the compression member can be adjusted during operation to achieve the desired pressure level. The mechanism allows for progressive compression and adjustment, enabling accurate pressure control through dynamic adjustment rather than static force application.
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
This design effectively increases the resistance against rotation of the trailer drawbar hinge while maintaining bushing centering, providing a predictable and uniform tension, thus enhancing the stability and usability of the trailer coupling system.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of compressible tapered bushings which are configured to fit within these bores... A tightening mechanism urges the bushings toward one another into these abutting bores thereby compressing the bushings and squeezing them against the pin
Data Source
AI summary
A tightening mechanism for a hinge assembly includes a first housing having a pair of outwardly extending spaced apart ears having aligned first bores extending through them. A second housing has a length which allows it to fit between the ears and has a pair of abutting second bores which are tapered inwardly toward one another. Tapered cylindrical bushings are configured to fit within the second bores. The tapered bushings have aligned third bores which are co-axial with one another and with the second bores. A coupling mechanism extends through the third bores and holds the second housing rotatably in the first housing. A clamping mechanism urges the bushings toward one another and inwardly into the second bores against the pin.