Trailer Coupling Ball Neck Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer couplings face challenges in stabilizing the ball neck against rotation on the swiveling axis while being cost-effective and space-efficient.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch design featuring a central mounting support with a catchment surface for the locking element, allowing the pivoting element to be fixed securely, and utilizing a ring-shaped actuating element with spring energy storage for automatic locking, along with a push-out unit for transitioning between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional locking mechanism is used to fix the ball neck against rotation, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking body is integrated within the receiving carrier structure, with the locking element nested inside the receiving carrier. The actuating element is positioned within the space around the pivot axis, utilizing the existing structural volume rather than adding external components. This nesting approach provides stable locking while minimizing device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: the receiving carrier holds both the locking body and guides the locking element, while the actuating element simultaneously controls the locking element's movement and interfaces with the push-out unit. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining stability.
2Reliability
If multiple locking elements are added to improve locking stability, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is positioned asymmetrically within the receiving carrier, allowing a single locking element to engage with the locking receptacle in a way that provides stable locking. The asymmetric arrangement of the locking body and locking element creates a mechanically advantageous engagement that ensures reliability without requiring multiple symmetric locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring energy storage device automatically returns the actuating element to its initial position after actuation, causing the locking element to automatically re-engage with the locking receptacle. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable locking without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems for each locking element.
3Ease of operation
If a manual actuating mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the extent of automation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring energy storage device replaces the need for complex mechanical actuators or motors by using elastic potential energy to automatically return the actuating element to its initial position. This mechanical substitution provides automatic locking functionality while maintaining simple manual actuation through the push-out unit, balancing ease of operation with automation.
4Ease of operation
If the actuating element is designed to move in radial direction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed to rotate about the pivot axis rather than moving purely in the radial direction. This dimensional change allows the actuating element to access the locking element through rotational movement within the existing radial space, providing ease of operation without requiring additional installation space. The actuating surface sequence on the actuating element enables this rotational actuation.
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 design provides stable and automatic locking of the pivoting element, ensuring secure fixation while minimizing space and cost, allowing for efficient operation between working and rest positions.
Implementation Method 1
it is preferably provided that the actuating element is constantly acted upon by a spring energy storage device in the direction of its locking position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In order to fix the ball neck and the swivel element in the working position on the swivel axis in a trailer coupling comprising a holding unit that is permanently connected to a vehicle body, a swivel bearing unit provided on the holding unit with a swivel bearing base connected to the holding unit and with a swivel element that is pivotable about a swivel axis relative to the swivel bearing base and is displaceable between a fixed position and a swivel position, a ball neck held on the swivel element, and a fixing unit which, in the fixed position of the swivel element, fixes the swivel element in a rotationally fixed manner and, in the swivel position, allows pivoting, and an axially acting locking unit that prevents displacement in the direction of the swivel axis and with which the fixing unit can be fixed in the fixed position against movement in the direction of the swivel position, it is proposed thatthat the pivoting element has a central pivot bearing body which is pivotably mounted in a pivot bearing body receptacle of the pivot bearing base which radially surrounds it and is slidably mounted between the pivoting position and the fixed position.