Trailer Coupling Line Fastening with Multi-Point Cable Tie Mounts

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing trailer coupling systems face challenges in efficiently routing and securing electrical lines between the vehicle and trailer, especially when the coupling arm is movably mounted, due to limited options for attaching cable ties, which complicates the assembly process and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

The trailer hitch incorporates multiple fastening strap retaining receptacles on the holding arm, allowing for various orientations and locations, enabling more flexible attachment of cable ties and supporting straps, thereby simplifying the routing and securing of electrical lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single fastening strap mounting point is provided on the coupling arm, then the structure is simple, but the flexibility for routing electrical lines is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for routing electrical linesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single fastening mounting point is segmented into multiple fastening strap mounting points distributed at different locations and orientations on the coupling arm. This allows electrical lines to be routed and secured at multiple positions, providing greater flexibility without requiring a completely new fastening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling arm is designed with multiple fastening strap mounting points that can accommodate various routing scenarios for electrical lines. These mounting points serve universal purposes for securing different components (electrical lines, cables, sensors) in multiple orientations and positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If cable ties are used to secure electrical lines along the hitch arm, then the electrical lines can be routed, but the assembly process becomes complicated with limited attachment options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening strap mounting points are pre-integrated into the coupling arm structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for additional attachment hardware or complex assembly steps, as the mounting points are already in place to receive cable ties or fastening straps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling arm provides its own fastening capability through integrated mounting points, eliminating the need for external fastening devices or complex attachment mechanisms. The structure serves itself by incorporating the necessary mounting features directly into the coupling arm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3835092B1Fastening device for fixing a line to a trailer coupling
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 WESTFALIA AUTOMOTIVE
  • EP3835092B1 patent drawingFigure 1~8
  • EP3835092B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3835092B1 patent drawingFigure 9~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a trailer coupling (10) for a motor vehicle with a coupling arm (23), at the free end region (22) of which a coupling element (20), in particular a coupling ball, is arranged for attaching a trailer (95) or securing a load carrier, wherein the trailer coupling (10) has at least one fastening device (50) for attaching a line (40) to a fastening object (19) forming a component of the trailer coupling (10), in particular to the coupling arm (23) and/or a support arrangement (11) attached or attachable to the motor vehicle, wherein the fastening device (50) has a fastening pin (51) for insertion into a fastening receptacle (16) of the fastening object (19) along a fastening pin longitudinal axis (BL), wherein a retaining arm (60) projects from the fastening pin (51) transversely to the fastening pin longitudinal axis (BL).which extends along a longitudinal axis (HL) of the support arm and on which a fastening strap retaining device (73A, 73B, 74, 75, 76) with a plug-in channel (77, 78) for inserting a flexible fastening strap (85), in particular a cable tie (85A), is arranged. At least two fastening strap retaining devices (73A, 73B, 74, 75, 76) are arranged on the support arm (60).