Torsion Trailer Coupler Mitigating Transient Tongue Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailers experience transient forces during towing, which can lead to unsettling and potentially dangerous transient tongue forces transmitted to the towing vehicle, posing a risk of loss of control.
Innovation Solution
A torsion adapter is integrated between the trailer tongue and coupler, featuring torsion arms and bars with resilient cords that resist rotation, allowing the adapter to move from an unloaded to a loaded position, thereby mitigating these forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the trailer tongue and coupler, then structural strength is improved, but transient forces are transmitted directly to the towing vehicle causing loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid connection with a dynamic torsion adapter assembly that allows controlled movement. The torsion arms can rotate relative to each other, enabling the system to adapt to transient forces dynamically rather than transmitting them rigidly to the towing vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion adapter assembly serves as an intermediary between the trailer tongue and coupler. It mediates the connection by absorbing and dissipating transient forces through the torsion mechanism, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the towing vehicle while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the trailer tongue and coupler, then structural strength is improved, but transient forces are transmitted directly to the towing vehicle causing unsettling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful transient forces into beneficial torsional movement of the arms. Instead of allowing these forces to transmit directly to the towing vehicle, the design channels them into controlled rotation of the torsion arms, which dissipates the energy harmlessly while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion adapter assembly serves as an intermediary between the trailer tongue and coupler. It mediates the connection by absorbing and dissipating transient forces through the torsion mechanism, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the towing vehicle while maintaining structural integrity.
3Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the trailer tongue and coupler, then structural strength is improved, but loss of control may occur in extreme situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating the torsion adapter assembly that can absorb and dissipate extreme transient forces before they reach the towing vehicle. The resilient cords and torsion mechanism act as a cushion, preventing the transmission of forces that could cause loss of control in extreme situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion adapter assembly serves as an intermediary between the trailer tongue and coupler. It mediates the connection by absorbing and dissipating transient forces through the torsion mechanism, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the towing vehicle while maintaining structural integrity.
4Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the trailer tongue and coupler, then structural strength is improved, but driver comfort deteriorates due to unsettling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful transient forces into beneficial torsional movement of the arms. Instead of allowing these forces to transmit directly to the towing vehicle and disturb the driver, the design channels them into controlled rotation of the torsion arms, which dissipates the energy harmlessly while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion adapter assembly serves as an intermediary between the trailer tongue and coupler. It mediates the connection by absorbing and dissipating transient forces through the torsion mechanism, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the towing vehicle while maintaining structural integrity.
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 torsion adapter effectively absorbs and manages transient forces, maintaining stability and control during towing by ensuring the tongue and coupler remain parallel, reducing the risk of loss of control.
Implementation Method 1
The torsion bars have resilient cords that surround them and cause the torsion bar to resist rotation with respect to its torsion tube
Data Source
AI summary
A torsion trailer coupler is affixed to a trailer between the tongue and an adjustable coupler. The torsion trailer coupler has a trailer side that affixes to the trailer and a coupler side that affixes to the adjustable coupler. The trailer side has torsion tubes that carry torsion bars and the coupler side has torsion tubes that carry torsion bars. The torsion bars between the trailer and coupler side are connected with torsion arms. The torsion trailer coupler moves between an unloaded position where the torsion bars and arms are at rest and a loaded position where force is applied between the sides and the torsion bars rotate about their central axes. The torsion bars, arms and sides cooperate to absorb transient forces between a towing vehicle and the tongue of the trailer.