Tow Coupling Latching Mechanism for Debris Collection Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball-type couplings allow excessive rotational movement, which can reduce the efficiency of debris collection devices when towing over uneven terrain, as they do not maintain a fixed position relative to the ground surface.
Innovation Solution
A tow coupling system with a latching mechanism that restricts movement to about a vertical axis, allowing pivotal movement about transverse axes and featuring a positioning structure to set the vertical position of the tow element, ensuring the debris collection device maintains contact with the ground surface effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional ball-type couplings are used to tow debris collection devices, then the coupling allows free rotational movement which facilitates maneuvering around corners and over road humps, but the leading edge of the collection device cannot be maintained at a fixed position relative to the ground surface, reducing collection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The tow coupling employs a dynamic positioning system where the tow element can pivot about transverse axes while the latching mechanism maintains confinement to vertical axis rotation. This allows the coupling to adapt its degree of freedom based on operational needs - restricted during normal towing to maintain fixed position, and more flexible when navigating obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the coupling by introducing a latching mechanism that transitions the system from free rotational movement to constrained movement about the vertical axis only. The positioning structure further adjusts the vertical position of the tow element, thereby changing the spatial parameters to optimize both maneuverability and collection efficiency.
2Reliability
If free rotational movement is permitted between the ball and coupling, then the vehicle and trailer can traverse over road humps and dips, but the leading edge of the collection device drifts from its optimal position on the ground surface
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional components: the engagement part for ball coupling, the tow element for connection, and the latching means for constraint. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the engagement part handles connection, the tow element provides flexible linkage, and the latching means enforces positional precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism acts as an intermediary between the free-rotating ball coupling and the position-critical collection device. It mediates the movement by allowing vertical axis rotation for maneuverability while blocking horizontal axis rotation that would cause positional drift, thereby protecting the positioning accuracy of the collection device.
3Productivity
If the tow coupling restricts movement to about the vertical axis only, then the leading edge maintains fixed position for efficient debris collection, but the ability to pivot over obstacles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system dynamically adjusts its degrees of freedom through the latching mechanism. During normal operation, the latch engages to restrict movement to vertical axis only, maximizing collection efficiency. When obstacles are encountered, the system can disengage the latch or activate the positioning structure to allow temporary pivoting motion, providing adaptive response to varying terrain conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tow coupling is designed with multi-functionality to handle both precision towing and obstacle navigation. The latching means provides the primary function of position restraint, while the positioning structure and pivotal connections provide secondary functions for vertical adjustment and obstacle clearance, making the system versatile for different operational scenarios.
4Manufacturing precision
If a latching mechanism is introduced to confine movement to vertical axis, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed as a separate, extractable component from the main coupling assembly. This allows the latching function to be added only when positioning precision is required, and enables easy maintenance or replacement without affecting the core coupling mechanism. The modular extraction approach minimizes the impact on overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed to be self-actuating or easily manually operated, reducing the need for complex control systems. The positioning structure utilizes the existing pivotal connections and gravitational forces to maintain vertical positioning, rather than requiring active control mechanisms, thereby minimizing added complexity while achieving the positioning accuracy goal.
Data Source
AI summary
Tow coupling (100) having a tow coupling part (128) for fitment to a tow ball (104) of the vehicle, a load coupling (190) for coupling to a load to be towed, and a tow element (180) pivotally connecting to the tow coupling part (128) and to the load coupling part (190). Pivoting of the tow element (180) with respect to the tow coupling part (128) varies the vertical position of the load coupling part (190). Positioning structure (220), between the tow coupling part (128) and the tow element (180) permits setting that position. The positioning structure (220) is resiliently biased by a spring (260) so as to resiliently bias the tow element (180) such that the load coupling (190) assumes a selectable set position, from which the load coupling (190) is however upwardly displaceable under pivoting of the tow element (180) against that resilient bias.