Towing Device Coupling Arm Automatic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing devices face challenges with complex and unreliable locking mechanisms, where the coupling arm can become loose if the union nut is not tightened sufficiently, leading to instability during trailer attachment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
A towing device with a linearly guided actuation ring and an energy accumulator, such as a spring, that automatically locks the coupling arm in place, ensuring consistent force application and secure attachment, featuring a form-fitting element arrangement with balls or rolling bodies for enhanced locking and a power transmission gear to amplify the spring force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a union nut is used for locking the coupling arm, then the locking mechanism is simple to manufacture, but the reliability is poor because the coupling arm can become loose if the union nut is not tightened sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically locks the coupling arm in the working position through the energy accumulator (spring) that acts on the actuating ring. The system serves itself by using the spring force to ensure consistent locking without requiring manual tightening operations, thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The energy accumulator (spring) is pre-tensioned to store energy that automatically acts on the actuating ring to lock the coupling arm in the working position. This preliminary action ensures that the locking force is applied consistently before any loading occurs, preventing the coupling arm from becoming loose
2Ease of operation
If a manual tightening operation is required for the union nut, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation is reduced due to the need for precise tightening force control
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically performs the locking action through the spring-loaded actuating mechanism. The operator simply needs to move the actuating ring to the working position, and the spring automatically applies the locking force, eliminating the need for manual tightening operations and improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The manual tightening operation of the union nut is replaced by a spring-loaded actuating ring mechanism. The spring provides the necessary locking force automatically, substituting the complex manual tightening process with a simpler mechanical system that is easier to operate
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 solution provides a simple, reliable, and automatic locking mechanism that ensures the coupling arm remains securely attached to the towing vehicle, preventing loose connections and enhancing safety during trailer operations.
Implementation Method 1
an energy accumulator, such as a spring (45), which automatically locks the coupling arm (14) in place
Implementation Method 2
A towing device with a linearly guided actuation ring and an energy accumulator, such as a spring, that automatically locks the coupling arm in place
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device has a locking mechanism (25) with an activation ring (43) infused with a retaining support (15). The locking mechanism displaces a positive locking element (35) from a release position into a locking position, where a coupler arm (14) is movable into the release position with respect to the retaining support. The activation ring is linearly guided in the retaining support and is loaded for automatically locking the locking mechanism over a force accumulator (44) in the locking position.