Pivoting Trailer Coupling Lock Geometry for Reliable Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer couplings with actuating bodies require complex and time-consuming mechanisms for fixing the rotation-blocking device in the release position, which are prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves arranging rotation-blocking units and receptacles at specific angular intervals around the pivot axis, ensuring congruence only in the working and rest positions, allowing the actuating body to transition into the rotation-blocking position only when aligned, and utilizing existing rotation-blocking bodies to engage with blocking surfaces for simple and reliable fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is provided to fix the actuating body in the release position, then the actuating body can be secured in the release position, but the device becomes complex, time-consuming and potentially prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixation function with the existing rotation-blocking bodies (54) by having them engage with blocking surfaces (90) on the pivot bearing body (14). This eliminates the need for a separate locking device, as the rotation-blocking bodies serve dual purposes: blocking rotation and fixing the actuating body in the release position.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation-blocking bodies (54) are designed to perform multiple functions: they block rotational movement of the pivot bearing body and simultaneously fix the actuating body (52) in the release position by engaging with the blocking surfaces (90). This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the rotation-blocking bodies are moved into the receptacles to fix the actuating body, then the actuating body is secured in the rotation-blocking position, but noise is generated during the transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially noisy engagement process into a smooth transition by designing the rotation-blocking bodies (54) to slide along the blocking surfaces (90) rather than abruptly engaging with receptacles. The blocking surfaces are shaped to guide the rotation-blocking bodies in a controlled manner, reducing impact noise while ensuring reliable fixation.
3Reliability
If additional fixation mechanisms are added to secure the actuating body, then the reliability of positioning is improved, but the movement resistance and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning and fixation functions into the existing rotation-blocking mechanism. The rotation-blocking bodies (54) engage with blocking surfaces (90) that are integrated into the pivot bearing body (14), eliminating the need for separate fixation mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining positioning reliability.
4Reliability
If the rotation-blocking bodies engage with receptacles in all positions, then the actuating body is always secured, but the transition between positions becomes difficult and resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic fixation system where the rotation-blocking bodies (54) engage with blocking surfaces (90) only in specific pivot positions (working position and rest position). In intermediate positions, the rotation-blocking bodies are disengaged, allowing free movement. This dynamic engagement ensures reliability when needed while maintaining ease of operation during transitions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
To improve a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck movable between a working position and a rest position with a pivot bearing body arranged at a first end and a coupling ball arranged at a second end, a vehicle-fixed pivot bearing unit by means of which the pivot bearing body is pivotably mounted to execute a pivoting movement about a pivot axis between the working position and the rest position, and a rotation locking device acting between the pivot bearing unit and the pivot bearing body, it is proposed that locking surfaces extend between the working position mounts and the rest position mounts of the rotation locking device, against which rotation locking elements of the rotation locking device can be applied.that the rotary locking units of the rotary locking device and the working position mounts as well as the rest position mounts are arranged around the pivot axis at angular intervals from one another such that in all intended pivot positions of the pivot bearing body, except for the working position and the rest position, the rotary locking body is opposite at least one of the rotary locking units of one of the locking surfaces and thus this locking surface blocks a movement of the actuating body in the actuating direction.