Trailer Coupling Drive Unit Angled Locking Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch drive units are complex, require frequent maintenance, and are prone to damage due to external factors, as they often necessitate precise alignment and are stressed by operating loads, leading to malfunctions and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact drive unit with locking pins oriented at an angle to the pivot axis, which absorbs different forces, preventing twisting and allowing for maintenance-free operation by not dissipating towing loads through the locking mechanism, combined with a flexible shaft for power transmission that simplifies installation and reduces wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gear transmission is used to drive the trailer hitch, then the pivoting movement can be achieved, but the assembly and operation become complex and require frequent maintenance due to friction and dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gear transmission from the drive mechanism and replaces it with a direct-drive system where the drive shaft connects directly to the ball rod. This eliminates the complex gear assembly that required frequent maintenance due to friction and dirt accumulation, while still achieving the required pivoting movement through the angled orientation of the drive shaft relative to the pivot axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical gear transmission system with a simplified direct mechanical connection. The drive shaft is oriented at an angle to the pivot axis, allowing direct transmission of rotational motion to produce the required pivoting movement without intermediate gears, thereby reducing complexity and maintenance requirements.
2Reliability
If a pawl lock is used to secure the ball neck, then additional security is provided, but the locking mechanism absorbs operating loads leading to damage and play over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pawl lock and its associated electric motor from the trailer hitch assembly. Instead, the spherical seat with its locking surface provides inherent mechanical guidance and positioning that secures the ball rod without requiring an additional active locking mechanism, thereby eliminating the absorption of operating loads by a separate lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical seat design provides self-guiding and self-positioning functionality. The locking surface on the spherical seat automatically guides the ball rod into the correct position and provides mechanical retention without requiring an external locking mechanism, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating weak points in the structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate drives are used for lifting/lowering and rotary movements, then orthogonal movements are achieved, but the trailer hitch becomes more expensive and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of lifting/lowering and rotary movements into a single drive mechanism. The drive shaft is oriented at an angle to the pivot axis, so that rotation of the drive shaft simultaneously produces both the vertical lifting/lowering motion and the horizontal pivoting motion, eliminating the need for separate drives and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive shaft serves multiple functions: it provides both the lifting/lowering movement and the pivoting movement through its angled orientation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate drive mechanisms, reducing weight, cost, and complexity while maintaining the capability to perform orthogonal movements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A drive unit for a trailer coupling (2) is described, comprising a ball rod (3) pivotable about a pivot axis (7) between an operating position and a rest position. The drive unit (1) is driven via a drive shaft (9) and has a locking mechanism (15) for the trailer coupling (2), which, in the locked position, engages a head (6) of the pivotable ball rod (3) arranged on the drive unit (1). To achieve a compact drive unit (1), the locking mechanism (15) has at least one locking pin (16), wherein the locking pin (16) and the pivot axis (7) are arranged at an angle to each other.