Trailer Coupling Force Measurement via Elastic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for vehicle trailers lack reliable methods to determine if the ball coupling is properly seated and closed, and to measure longitudinal forces accurately, leading to potential wear and defect issues that can go unnoticed, affecting the stability and operation of the trailer.
Innovation Solution
The coupling device incorporates first and second force-measuring elements to measure longitudinal forces between the clutch housing and friction elements, allowing for the calculation of drawbar forces, and includes evaluation electronics to determine the correct seating and clamping force of the ball coupling, with a display device to provide status information to the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If friction elements are pressed against the ball head to reduce twisting tendency, then stabilizing function is improved, but wear occurs and clamping force varies without detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by installing force-measuring elements that continuously monitor the clamping force between the ball head and the coupling housing. The measured forces are processed by evaluation electronics that compare them against reference values, generating feedback signals when deviations occur. This allows the system to detect wear and clamping force variations in real-time, enabling maintenance before complete failure occurs, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining stabilizing function and ensuring reliability.
2Ease of operation
If ball coupling is placed on ball head without verification, then coupling operation is simple, but proper seating and closing cannot be recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses force-measuring elements to provide real-time feedback on the coupling status. When the ball coupling is placed on the ball head, the system measures the application forces and compares them against predetermined reference values that indicate proper seating and closing. The evaluation electronics generate feedback signals (such as visual or acoustic indicators) to inform the operator whether the coupling is correctly established, maintaining operational simplicity while eliminating information loss about coupling status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification methods with automated force measurement and electronic evaluation. Instead of relying on mechanical indicators or manual inspection, the system uses force-measuring elements and electronic processing to automatically determine coupling status, providing objective information feedback without complicating the physical coupling operation.
3Device complexity
If no force measurement is implemented, then device complexity is low, but longitudinal forces on drawbar cannot be measured accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force measurement function into distinct components: force-measuring elements positioned at specific locations (between the ball head and coupling housing, and between the clamping element and coupling housing), evaluation electronics for processing the signals, and reference value storage for comparison. This segmentation allows the system to measure longitudinal forces on the drawbar by calculating differences between measurements at different points, achieving precise measurement while keeping each individual component relatively simple and modular.
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
This solution enables simple and reliable detection of the ball coupling's seating and clamping force, allowing for precise measurement of longitudinal forces, early detection of wear and defects, and improved stability by ensuring proper clamping force application, enhancing the overall operation and safety of the vehicle trailer.
Implementation Method 1
the first force-measuring element is arranged between the front wall section of the clutch housing and a first friction element attached thereto and is designed to measure longitudinal forces which the first friction element exerts on the front wall section
Implementation Method 2
the second force-measuring element is arranged between the clamping element and a second friction element attached thereto and is designed to measure longitudinal forces which act in the longitudinal direction of the ball coupling between the ball head and the second friction element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A coupling device for vehicle trailers has a force measuring device for measuring the clamping force between a ball head and a tow ball coupling (1), with a force measuring element (12, 16) arranged on the front wall section (8) of the coupling housing (4) and/or on a clamping element (13). This allows information about the clamping force of the tow ball coupling (1) on the ball head to be obtained and/or longitudinal forces acting on a drawbar to be measured.