Towing Hitch Assembly with Dual Coupling Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies for traction motor vehicles lack the ability to accommodate two different types of trailers with distinct coupling systems, requiring adaptation of both the towing and towed vehicles and failing to maintain torque resistance during braking and accelerating.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with first and second coupling means arranged one above the other on a mounting plate, fixed to a drawbar via removable brackets, allowing for optimal attachment points at specific heights and ensuring torque resistance by positioning coupling means in the median plane of the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single coupling means is used on the drawbar, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate two different types of trailers with distinct coupling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is segmented into multiple independent coupling means (ball coupling and clevis coupling) mounted on a single drawbar. Each coupling means can be independently selected and used based on the trailer type, allowing the system to accommodate different coupling standards without requiring multiple drawbars or complex adaptation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawbar is designed with universal adaptability to support multiple coupling types. By integrating both ball coupling and clevis coupling mechanisms on the same drawbar structure, the system achieves multi-functionality, allowing a single drawbar to serve various trailer coupling requirements without losing structural integrity or performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coupling means are mounted at different heights, then adaptability to different trailer types is improved, but maintaining torque resistance during braking and accelerating becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different coupling means are positioned at specific local heights on the drawbar structure, with each coupling type optimized for its ideal mounting height. The ball coupling is positioned at a height suitable for ball-type trailers, while the clevis coupling is positioned at an appropriate height for clevis-type trailers, allowing each to operate at its optimal height without compromising overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-height constraint to a multi-height configuration by utilizing the vertical dimension. Multiple coupling means are arranged at different vertical positions on the drawbar, transforming the problem from a one-dimensional height limitation to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement that accommodates various coupling types while maintaining structural strength through proper drawbar design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both the towing vehicle and towed assembly require adaptation, then coupling flexibility is improved, but the complexity of implementation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptability function is extracted from the towed assembly and concentrated in the towing vehicle's drawbar. Instead of requiring modifications to both vehicles, the drawbar incorporates multiple coupling means that can accommodate different trailer types without needing any adaptation to the trailer itself. This extraction simplifies the overall system by centralizing the adaptation capability in one component.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
The assembly has an attachment (6) including a ball coupling (7) and an cover attachment (8) that are fixed on an assembly plate, where the plate is secured to a coupling bar (4) using a fixing unit (5). The fixing unit comprises brackets, where each bracket presents a pair of wings. The wings of the one of the brackets are fixed on two opposite faces of the coupling bar while the wings of the other bracket define a plane on which the plate is fixed. A support (13) supports a bearing plate so as to imprison and to tighten the bar.