Pivoting Trailer Coupling Locking for Quiet Position Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer couplings lack a simple and effective mechanism for securely locking the pivot bearing unit in the rest position and securing the rotational locking position, leading to potential misalignment and noise during transitions.
Innovation Solution
A multiple locking device with a locking element guided on the guide body, actuated by a cam mechanism and sensor system, ensures the pivot bearing unit is locked in the rest position and secured in the rotational locking position, using existing rotary locking elements to facilitate smooth transitions without noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the pivot bearing unit in rest position and locking position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated locking element that performs both rest position locking and working position securing. The locking element integrates a blocking body for rest position locking and a locking body for working position securing, both actuated by the same cam mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining dual locking functions, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it actuates the locking element for rest position locking, secures the locking element in working position, and enables smooth transitions between positions. The single cam structure performs what would traditionally require multiple separate actuating mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while achieving reliable multi-position locking.
2Ease of manufacture
If the locking element is guided in a wall area between actuating body and swivel bearing body, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is nested within the wall area structure, with the blocking body and locking body arranged concentrically within the same guiding space. The blocking body is positioned radially outward while the locking body is positioned radially inward, both within the same wall area guide. This nesting approach allows both locking functions to share the same structural space, simplifying manufacturing by reducing the number of separate mounting locations required.
3Ease of operation
If the locking element can be positioned in intermediate position between locking positions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be dynamically positionable along the entire cam profile, allowing continuous movement between rest position, intermediate positions, and working position. The cam mechanism provides dynamic control through its profile shape, which naturally guides the locking element through smooth transitions. The spring element provides dynamic force to maintain the locking element in stable positions while allowing controlled transitions, eliminating the need for complex position control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to create the simplest possible structural and safest solution for a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck movable between a working position and a rest position, which is connected at a first end to a swivel bearing unit and carries a coupling ball at a second end, wherein the ball neck can be pivoted about a pivot axis between the working position and the rest position by means of the swivel bearing unit, and a rotary locking device acting between a guide body and a swivel bearing body of the swivel bearing unit with at least two rotary locking units, each of which has ais movable into a locking position that secures the actuating body in the rotational locking position and into an intermediate position between the rest position locking position and the locking position.