Trailer Coupling Adapter for Rear-Axle Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for coupling trailers to towing vehicles fail to reliably transfer the trailer's vertical load to the towing vehicle, leading to inefficient axle load distribution and increased weight on the towing vehicle, which reduces the permissible load of the trailer.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with an adapter unit and complementary connecting elements that allow for pivotable connections, enabling the trailer's vertical load to be transferred closer to the rear axle of the towing vehicle, reducing the lever arm effect and optimizing axle load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If front weights are attached to the towing vehicle to counteract high drawbar loads, then axle load distribution is improved, but the weight of the towing vehicle increases and the permissible load of the trailer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the trailer and towing vehicle. By positioning the coupling point closer to the rear axle and using the adapter unit with pivotable connections, the system transfers vertical loads more effectively to the rear axle, eliminating the need for front ballast weights while maintaining proper axle load distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter unit incorporates pivotable connections that allow dynamic adjustment. The first pivotable connection about a horizontal axis and the second pivotable connection about a vertical axis enable the coupling device to adapt to different loading conditions and ground unevenness, optimizing load distribution without adding weight
2Stability of the object's composition
If front weights are attached to the towing vehicle, then axle load distribution is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is pre-configured with the adapter unit and connecting elements in the desired position closer to the rear axle. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for time-consuming attachment of front ballast weights during each coupling operation, as the load distribution optimization is built into the coupling mechanism itself
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves multiple functions: it provides the primary coupling connection, optimizes axle load distribution, and compensates for ground unevenness - all through a single integrated mechanism. This multi-functionality replaces the separate operation of attaching ballast weights, saving time and labor
3Stability of the object's composition
If the trailer's vertical load is transferred closer to the rear axle, then the lever arm effect is reduced and front axle lifting is minimized, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into functional components: the adapter unit with its two pivotable connections, the first connecting element for the towing vehicle, and the second connecting element for the trailer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The adapter unit's dual-pivot design achieves complex load transfer through coordinated simple rotational movements
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device (101) for coupling a trailer (3) to a towing vehicle (2). The coupling device comprises an adapter unit (4) with a first connecting element (41) for a first connection (5) to the towing vehicle (2), such that the adapter unit (4) is pivotable about a horizontal axis around the first connection. Furthermore, the coupling device (101) comprises a second connecting element (42) on an opposite second side of the adapter unit (4) for a second connection (6) to a complementary second connecting element (7), such that the adapter unit (4) is pivotable about a vertical axis relative to the second complementary connecting element (7). The second connecting element (42) and a complementary second connecting element (7) are not pivotable about the horizontal axis relative to each other when the second connecting elements (42) form the second connection (6).