Trailer Coupling Receiving Sleeve and Segmented Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitches lack optimal flexibility and require complex assembly processes, with locking devices often being inaccessible and requiring awkward cable routing, complicating the attachment and detachment of coupling components.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch design featuring a holder with a coupling arm that includes a plug-in projection and a locking device with a movable actuating body, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without the need for moving components on the vehicle, and a receiving sleeve with a tubular coupling socket for various coupling parts, including a coupling ball, which can be inserted into a load carrier or trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the locking device is arranged directly on the motor vehicle, then the locking mechanism is integrated into the vehicle structure, but the assembly becomes more complex and time-consuming with awkward cable routing through the luggage compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into two parts: a stationary locking receptacle integrated into the motor vehicle holder, and a movable locking body integrated into the removable coupling arm. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to function as a unified system while distributing components to their most appropriate locations, eliminating the need for complex cable routing through the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arm serves as an intermediary component that bridges the motor vehicle holder and the load carrier/trailer. By integrating the movable locking body into the coupling arm rather than the vehicle holder, the system uses the coupling arm as a mediator to simplify the locking mechanism's integration, avoiding direct integration into the vehicle structure and eliminating complex cable routing requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the locking device is arranged on the motor vehicle, then the locking mechanism is fixed to the vehicle structure, but manual actuation becomes difficult due to inaccessibility behind the bumper
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into a stationary locking receptacle fixed to the vehicle holder and a movable locking body integrated into the removable coupling arm. This segmentation places the actuating mechanism on the coupling arm, which is easily accessible when attached to the vehicle, while the locking receptacle remains fixed in the vehicle structure for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fixing the entire locking device to the motor vehicle as in conventional designs, this invention inverts the arrangement by fixing only the locking receptacle to the vehicle and placing the movable locking body on the removable coupling arm. This inversion makes the actuating mechanism accessible while maintaining the stability of the fixed mounting through the locking receptacle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling arm is designed with integrated locking device, then the coupling arm becomes a self-contained unit, but the holder part complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a simple holder with a stationary locking receptacle and a self-contained coupling arm with an integrated movable locking body and actuating mechanism. This segmentation creates a versatile, self-contained coupling arm unit while keeping the holder part structurally simple and easy to manufacture.
4Productivity
If the holder part can be easily removed from the holder, then the assembly process is simplified, but the locking mechanism must be sufficiently secure to prevent accidental detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking body is designed as a movable component that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, it engages with the locking receptacle to provide secure attachment with high reliability. In the unlocked position, it allows easy removal for rapid reassembly. The actuating mechanism enables controlled transition between these states, balancing security and assembly speed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a trailer coupling for a motor vehicle (11), in particular a passenger car, comprising a retainer (20), which is arranged on or can be fastened to the motor vehicle (11), and a retainer part (30), which can be detachably fastened to the retainer (20) and which has a retainer insertion projection (33) for inserting into a retainer insertion receptacle (24) of the retainer (20), wherein the retainer part (30) has an integrated locking device (70) having at least one locking body (71) and has an actuation body (73), which is supported in the retainer part (30) so as to be movable in order to actuate the at least one locking body (71) into a locking position (R), wherein the at least one locking body (71) interlockingly engages in a locking receptacle (72) on the retainer (20) in the locking position (R) and is moved out of the locking receptacle (72) in a detaching position (L), the retainer insertion projection (33) of the retainer part (30) therefore being interlockingly locked in the retainer insertion receptacle (24) of the retainer (20) in the locking position (R) of the at least one locking body (71) and being removable from the retainer insertion receptacle (24) of the retainer (20) in the detaching position (L), wherein the retainer part (30) is provided for forming a coupling arm (15), which has a coupling part (60) having a coupling element (65), in particular having a coupling ball, for coupling a load carrier (200) or a trailer, or is provided for directly coupling a load carrier (200). According to the invention, the retainer part (30) has a receiving sleeve (40) having a tubular coupling insertion receptacle (41) for inserting a coupling insertion projection (66; 266) of the coupling part (60) or of the load carrier (200).