Trailer Coupling Fixing Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitches face difficulties in releasing the form-fitting connection between the pivot bearing element and the vehicle mounting part, especially after prolonged driving, making handling cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch design featuring a bidirectional fixing drive that actively moves the fixing element from the fixing position to the release position, using a force transmission element to simplify handling, with the fixing drive located either inside or outside the bearing and preferably arranged partially within the bearing's interior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a form-fitting connection is used between the pivot bearing element and the vehicle mounting part, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in releasing the connection after prolonged driving
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is designed to dynamically change its position between a fixing position (where it engages with the vehicle mounting part) and a release position (where it disengages). This dynamic adjustment allows the connection to be strong during operation but easily releasable when needed, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and ease of release.
Solution Approach 2:
A force transmission element is introduced as an intermediary between the fixing drive and the fixing element. This intermediary transfers the driving force from the fixing drive to the fixing element, enabling controlled movement between fixing and release positions. The force transmission element facilitates easy operation while maintaining the form-fitting connection's strength when engaged.
2Ease of operation
If a fixing drive is installed to actively move the fixing element, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing drive is integrated with the bearing structure, with the drive arranged at least partially in the interior space of the bearing. This merging of the fixing drive with the existing bearing components reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation. The force transmission element is also integrated into the bearing assembly, further consolidating the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing drive components are nested within the interior space of the bearing. The force transmission element is positioned within the bearing's internal volume, and the fixing drive mechanism is arranged to utilize the existing bearing structure. This nesting approach minimizes additional space requirements and reduces overall system complexity while providing active fixing and release functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A trailer coupling for a motor vehicle (K), comprising a coupling arm (11), wherein the coupling arm (11) is pivotably mounted on a vehicle bracket (20) attached to the motor vehicle (K) by means of a bearing arranged on the vehicle bracket (20) between a working position (G) and a non-working position (N) about a first and a second pivot axis, wherein a bearing base body (33) of the bearing is fixedly arranged on a vehicle bracket part (21) of the vehicle bracket (20), on which a first pivot bearing element (31) is pivotably mounted, and wherein at least one second pivot bearing element, which supports the coupling arm (11), is pivotably mounted on the first pivot bearing element (31), wherein the trailer coupling has a fixing device for fixing the coupling arm (11) in the working position (G) and/or the non-working position (N),wherein the fixing device comprises a fixing element (60) movable between a fixing position (F) and a release position (L) and a fixing drive (80) for driving the one fixing element (60).