Towing Hitch Assembly Pivot Mechanism for Oscillation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maneuvering of combined towing and carrier vehicles is limited by the need for human interaction in connecting and disconnecting, and oscillations occur when auto-guided vehicles make direction corrections during towing.
Innovation Solution
A towing hitch assembly with a connecting member connected to a first link member via a vertical axis, allowing pivot movement, and additional link and grip members for stable engagement, along with a spring device for automatic disengagement, enables the towing vehicle to engage and disengage without pushing the carrier vehicle unnecessarily, reducing oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mechanism on the towing vehicle disengages a connecting recess on a carrier vehicle to avoid human interaction, then automation is improved, but the maneuvering of the combined system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling mechanism where the connecting member can pivot on a vertical axis, allowing the grip member to automatically adjust its position relative to the towing vehicle. This dynamic adjustment enables the automated engagement mechanism to adapt to different maneuvering conditions without requiring manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between automation and maneuverability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the towing vehicle pushes the carrier vehicle during direction corrections, then engagement stability is maintained, but oscillations occur when the auto-guided vehicle makes small direction corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: the connecting member pivoting on a vertical axis, the grip member sliding on guide members, and the link member connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to move independently, enabling the grip member to maintain stable engagement while the connecting member absorbs directional corrections through pivoting, thereby eliminating oscillations.
Solution Approach 2:
The link member acts as an intermediary between the connecting member and the grip member. It translates the pivoting motion of the connecting member into sliding motion of the grip member along the guide members, mediating between the towing vehicle's direction corrections and the carrier vehicle's movement to prevent oscillations while maintaining engagement stability.
3Ease of operation
If the grip member is positioned far from the towing vehicle to allow large rotating movements, then maneuverability is improved, but space consumption increases and modifications of the carrier vehicle are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical axis for pivoting the connecting member, adding a vertical dimension to the coupling mechanism's degrees of freedom. This allows the grip member to achieve the necessary rotating movements through a combination of vertical pivoting and horizontal sliding, maintaining maneuverability while keeping the horizontal distance between the grip member and towing vehicle minimal, thus reducing space consumption.
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 design allows for stable engagement and disengagement of the towing vehicle, reducing oscillations and eliminating the need for human interaction, enhancing the maneuverability of the towing system while maintaining engagement stability.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting member is connected to the first link member by means of a vertical axis, such that the first link member can pivot in relation to the connecting member
Implementation Method 2
The connecting member can be slidably arranged in the assembly such that it can alter its position along a provided guide member
Implementation Method 3
along with a spring device for automatic disengagement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A towing hitch assembly (1) comprising, a connecting member (9), a first link member (12) connected to the connecting member (9), a first grip member(8) connected to the first link member (12), a first guide member (17) that allows for the connecting member (9) to be movable a linear direction, preferably along a line that extends along and out of the first guide member (17), preferably being a central symmetry line (50) of the towing hitch assembly (1), a second guide member (2) that is connected to the grip member (8), wherein the towing hitch assembly (1) can alter position between a first non-engaging configuration (A) in which a towing vehicle (20) is not engaged by the towing hitch assembly (1) and an engaging configuration (B) where the towing hitch assembly (1) is engaging the towing vehicle (20) at least at two separate positions (P1, P2) of the towing vehicle (20), wherein one of the positions (P2) where the towing vehicle (20) is engaged by the grip member (8) can be released from engagement, or move as engaged together with towing vehicle (20), by a movement of the connecting member (9) and thereby altering position of the grip member (8) as guided by the second guide member (2), wherein thereby oscillation in operation can be prevented between the towing vehicle (20) and a carrier vehicle (15) to which the towing hitch assembly (1) is intended to be attached. Further a carrier vehicle (15) is disclosed and a towing system (60).