Trailer Coupling Force Sensor with Transverse Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction force measuring systems are not suitable for accurately measuring and displaying forces and torques between a motorized vehicle and a trailer or attachment in three dimensions, and require complex suspension frames and specialized devices.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with three sensor elements arranged transversely on a carrier relative to the motorized vehicle's longitudinal axis, connected to an evaluation device that converts measured values into force and torque signals, allowing for three-dimensional measurement without modifying the trailer or attachment, and integrated with a vehicle status management system for counter-steering and braking adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex suspension frame with specialized traction force instrument transformer is used, then traction force measurement is achieved, but the device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a standardized coupling device that can measure forces and torques in three dimensions without requiring specialized suspension frames. The measuring device with three sensor elements can be universally applied to different trailers and attachments, making the system multi-functional and adaptable rather than requiring complex, specialized hardware for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the complex suspension frame structure and places it in a separate, dedicated measuring device at the coupling point. This separation allows the suspension frame to remain simple and standardized while the measurement capabilities are concentrated in the removable measuring device with three sensor elements, reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If specialized devices are provided on the trailer or attachment for force measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but the ease of operation and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is extracted from the trailer or attachment itself and placed entirely on the motorized vehicle side at the coupling device. This means no modifications are needed on the trailer or attachment - the three sensor elements are mounted on the vehicle's coupling mechanism, making the system easy to install and operate without altering the trailer.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves as an intermediary between the motorized vehicle and the trailer, housing the measuring device with three sensor elements. This intermediary position allows force and torque measurements to be taken at the connection point without requiring any special devices or modifications on the trailer side, simplifying installation and operation.
3Device complexity
If horizontal traction forces only are mechanically added, then the measurement system is simplified, but the measurement precision for three-dimensional forces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional horizontal force measurement to three-dimensional force and torque measurement by arranging three sensor elements in different spatial orientations at the coupling device. This dimensional expansion allows measurement of forces in multiple directions (vertical, horizontal, lateral) and torques, providing comprehensive three-dimensional measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into three independent sensor elements, each capable of measuring specific force components. By dividing the measurement function across three separate sensors arranged spatially, the system can resolve three-dimensional forces and torques through mathematical combination of the individual sensor readings, achieving precision without mechanical complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the traction force instrument transformer is integrated into the suspension frame, then measurement functionality is achieved, but the adaptability to different trailers and attachments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device with three sensor elements is designed as a universal solution that can be applied to any trailer or attachment through the standardized coupling device on the motorized vehicle. Unlike the integrated suspension frame approach, this measuring device requires no modifications to the trailer and can measure forces and torques for various trailer types, significantly improving adaptability and versatility.
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
Enables accurate measurement and display of forces and torques in all three spatial coordinates, allowing for improved detection of unstable driving situations and matching braking effects between the motorized vehicle and trailer or attachment, without the need for special devices on the trailer or attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor elements are connected to an evaluation device configured to convert these measured values into signals for force displays and/or torque displays
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device (60) is configured for measuring forces or torques between a motorized vehicle (1) and a trailer or attachment which is towed or pushed thereby. The measuring device (60) has at least three sensor elements (79, 80) arranged on a carrier (71), transversely with respect to a virtual longitudinal axis of the motorized vehicle (1) and spaced apart from one another. The measuring device (60) is arranged in a coupling region between the motorized vehicle (1) and the pulled or pushed trailer or attachment. In order to transmit their measured values, the sensor elements (79, 80) are connected to an evaluation device (40), which is configured to convert these measured values into signals for force displays and/or torque displays according to magnitude and direction.