Torsion Bar Hitch Maintaining Constant Height
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hitches in towable motor vehicles are prone to varying heights due to suspension depression, complicating the attachment and detachment process between vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A hitch system where the first wheel carrier is connected to a torsion bar, allowing the hitch to move in rotation around a transverse axis, maintaining a relatively constant height by synchronizing with the wheel carrier's movement, and using an anti-roll bar as a torsion bar simplifies the construction and stabilizes the hitch's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the hitch is integral with the chassis, then the structure is simple, but the hitch height varies when suspensions are depressed, complicating the attachment process
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch is made dynamic by connecting it to the wheel carrier through a torsion bar, allowing it to move vertically in sync with the wheel carrier's suspension movement. This dynamic connection ensures the hitch maintains a constant height relative to the ground despite chassis suspension depression, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational ease.
2Ease of operation
If the hitch is connected to the wheel carrier via torsion bar, then the hitch height remains constant, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion bar serves multiple functions: it connects the hitch to the wheel carrier, allows vertical movement of the hitch to maintain constant height, and provides structural support. By making the torsion bar multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving constant hitch height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the hitch support function with the wheel carrier suspension system by using the torsion bar as both a structural support element and a movement transmission mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate height-adjustment mechanisms, balancing operational ease with structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If an anti-roll bar is used as a torsion bar, then the construction is simplified, but the ability to accommodate wheel carrier movement may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-roll bar is designed to perform dual functions: maintaining vehicle body roll stability and enabling vertical movement of the wheel carrier and hitch. By configuring the anti-roll bar with appropriate torsional flexibility and connection geometry, it accommodates wheel carrier movement while providing roll stabilization, thus simplifying construction without sacrificing adaptability.
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 configuration ensures the hitch remains at a consistent height relative to the ground, facilitating easier attachment and detachment of vehicles, while also enhancing load and attitude balancing between coupled vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a hitch system where the first wheel carrier is connected to a torsion bar, allowing the hitch to move in rotation around a transverse axis, maintaining a relatively constant height by synchronizing with the wheel carrier's movement
Data Source
Figure 1~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising: - a first wheel carrier (34) to which is secured without any degree of freedom a rotational shaft (35) of a wheel and which is displaceable between a remote position and a close position; - a torsion bar (18) comprising a first attachment point (56) mechanically connected to the first wheel-carrier; a coupling bar (60), which is securely attached to the chassis and comprises at a free end a coupling (12), the torsion bar (18) comprising a second attachment point (62) mechanically connected to the coupling bar in order to move the latter towards the upper position thereof as the first wheel-carrier moves towards its close position and in order to move it downwards as the first wheel-carrier moves towards its remote position.