Trailer Coupling Electrical Contact via Form-Fitting Contours
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing electrical connections between a vehicle and a trailer hitch with a socket on the coupling arm is challenging due to the need for flexible cables or complex plug-in systems, especially in pivotable systems where mechanical connections are compromised.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle contact unit is positioned on the coupling arm, with electrical connections made outside the bearing area, using form-fitting contours that maintain mechanical integrity and allow for retrofitting, featuring isolated contact elements and a control unit for efficient communication via serial or bus interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle contact unit is positioned on the coupling arm in pivotable systems, then electrical connections can be established, but flexible cables are required which compromise mechanical integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into two parts: a fixed contact element on the vehicle mount and a movable contact element on the coupling arm. This segmentation allows the electrical connection to be maintained separately from the mechanical bearing, eliminating the need for flexible cables while preserving both electrical accessibility and mechanical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical connection mechanism through form-fitting contours that engage between the vehicle mount and coupling arm. These contours serve as mediators that transfer electrical contact independently of the mechanical bearing, resolving the conflict between electrical accessibility and mechanical strength.
2Ease of operation
If a socket is directly attached to the coupling arm, then electrical connections are established, but complicated plug-in systems or flexible cables are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical connection function (form-fitting contours) with the electrical connection function into a single integrated system. The same engagement contours that provide mechanical coupling also establish electrical contact, eliminating the need for separate complicated plug-in systems or flexible cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The form-fitting contours serve multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical coupling, positioning, and electrical contact establishment. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the electrical connection system by consolidating multiple functions into a single structural feature.
3Ease of operation
If electrical contact elements are integrated into the connection mechanism between vehicle mount and coupling arm, then electrical connections are established, but installation space must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact elements are nested within the existing form-fitting contours of the connection mechanism. The contact elements are positioned inside or along the engagement surfaces, utilizing the existing structural space without requiring additional installation area.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contact is established in a different dimensional space than the primary mechanical connection. By positioning contact elements on the engagement surfaces or within the contour geometry, the electrical connection is achieved without increasing the overall footprint or installation space of the assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A trailer coupling (10) with a coupling arm (20), wherein the coupling arm can be attached to a vehicle bracket (50) by means of a plug connection having a plug projection (21) and a plug receptacle (52), wherein the trailer coupling (10) has a fixing device (40) in which positive locking contours (38, 58) arranged on the vehicle bracket (50) and the coupling arm next to the plug projection (21) and the plug receptacle (52) engage one another, wherein an electrical vehicle contact unit (70) with connection contacts (71) for connecting the trailer is arranged on the coupling arm (20), which has at least one connecting line (80) for connection to an on-board network (93) of the motor vehicle (90).Electrical contact elements (100, 101, 150, 151) are arranged on the form-fitting contours (38, 58), which are in contact with each other in the operating position (G) of the coupling arm (20) and connect a vehicle electrical system section (81) intended for connection to the vehicle electrical system (93) and a contact unit section (82) connected to the vehicle contact unit (70) which connects an electrical connection line (80) to each other.