Trailer Coupling Holding Base Rigid Connection Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitches face challenges in achieving a stable and cost-effective connection between the bearing unit and the cross member, which affects the overall stability and production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a holding base with flange units and holding elements that extend from the flange unit, forming a stable and rigid connection by using flat material elements that are easily produced and connected through positive locking or welding, with the holding elements bent at an angle to increase distance and resistance to bending and torsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the holding base is assembled from separate flange unit and holding elements, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flange unit and holding elements are merged into a single integrated holding base component manufactured from one piece of flat material. The holding elements are formed by bending the flat material during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations while maintaining the stable connection between the bearing unit and cross member.
2Strength
If the holding elements extend at a distance from one another, then the rigidity and stability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding base is segmented into multiple holding elements that extend from a common flange unit at spaced intervals. This segmentation provides the necessary rigidity and stability by distributing loads across multiple attachment points on the cross member, while all elements are formed from a single flat material piece through bending operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements are formed by bending the flat material in three-dimensional space, creating spatial extensions that project from the flange unit plane. This dimensional transformation allows the holding elements to engage the cross member at optimal locations while maintaining structural integrity and rigidity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the holding elements are formed by bending the flat material, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flat material undergoes parameter changes through bending operations during manufacturing, transforming from a two-dimensional sheet into a three-dimensional structure with holding elements at specific angles and orientations. These parameter changes are controlled during fabrication to create the required structural configuration for stable attachment.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a trailer coupling for motor vehicles, comprising a cross member connectable to a motor vehicle body and a bearing unit which carries a ball neck which is connected to the bearing unit at a first end and carries a coupling ball at a second end, and a holding base which supports the bearing unit and is connected to the cross member, it is provided according to the invention that the holding base has a flange unit for receiving the bearing unit as well as two holding elements extending from the flange unit and spaced apart from each other, which engage the cross member.