Trailer Coupling Contact Device with Separate Protective Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch contact device arrangements require additional metal for protective contours, which can weaken the coupling arm and are not necessary for all applications, as they are integrated into the coupling arm design, and there is a need for an inexpensive and easily installable solution that provides optimal protection for the contact device.
Innovation Solution
A contact device arrangement where the protective contour is mounted separately from the coupling arm, allowing for optional protection based on the specific towing requirements, with the protective body being either integrated into the housing or a separate component that can be installed or omitted as needed, ensuring the contact device is protected without compromising the coupling arm's strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protective contour is integrated into the coupling arm, then the contact device is protected from mechanical damage, but the coupling arm requires more metal and is weakened in the area of the protective contour
Solution Approach 1:
The protective contour is separated from the coupling arm and implemented as a standalone protective body that can be optionally mounted. This segmentation allows the coupling arm to maintain its original strength without the protective contour, while the contact device can be protected when needed by attaching the separate protective body.
2Reliability
If the protective contour is integrated into the coupling arm, then the contact device is protected from mechanical damage, but the production cost increases due to additional metal required
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is separated into an independent protective body that can be produced separately from the coupling arm. This allows the coupling arm to be manufactured with standard material requirements, while the protective body can be added only when protection is needed, reducing overall production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective contour is extracted from the coupling arm design and implemented as a separate protective body. This extraction eliminates the need to incorporate additional metal into the coupling arm, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining the option to provide protection when required.
3Reliability
If the protective contour is integrated into the coupling arm, then the contact device is protected, but the design complexity increases and not all applications require protection
Solution Approach 1:
The protective contour is segmented into a separate, optional protective body that can be selectively mounted based on the specific towing application. This allows the system to be adapted to different scenarios - using protection when needed and omitting it when not required, thereby improving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective body is designed to be dynamically configurable - it can be mounted or removed depending on the towing requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different applications, providing protection only when necessary, thus improving overall adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The arrangement (51a) has a contact device (26) for producing connection between an on-board power supply of a motor vehicle (17) and a trailer (15). Strap-type protection bodies (50a) are separated from coupling arms (11a). The bodies exhibit sliding contours (59a) for sliding of a towing rope (48) over a housing (32). Ramps of the sliding contours extend between coupling arm contours (42a) and a crest of the housing, when the arrangement is mounted at the coupling arms, where the crest is distant from the coupling arm contours.