Trailer Coupling Release Position Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitches face challenges in being compact and structurally simple to accommodate confined spaces, requiring innovative solutions for efficient movement and locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a release position latching device that automatically transitions between latched and latched-release positions, utilizing a spring element to maintain the actuating body's position and a rest position latching device independent of the rotation blocking device, allowing for secure fixing and release of the pivot bearing body without external actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotation blocking device is used to fix the pivot bearing body in the working position, then the reliability of the working position is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The release position latching device is integrated with the existing rotation blocking device structure. The latching body and latching receptacle are incorporated into the same mechanical assembly, allowing the actuating body to be held in the release position without requiring a completely separate locking mechanism. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability in both working and rest positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The release position latching device operates automatically based on the rotational position of the pivot bearing body. When the pivot bearing body rotates from the rest position toward the working position, the latching body automatically disengages from the latching receptacle, releasing the actuating body without requiring external actuation. This self-service mechanism improves reliability while minimizing the need for additional control systems.
2Volume of moving object
If the trailer hitch is designed to be compact for confined spaces, then the volume is reduced, but the ease of operation may be worsened due to limited access for actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The release position latching device is designed to operate automatically based on the rotational position of the pivot bearing body. The latching body and latching receptacle are positioned such that rotation of the pivot bearing body automatically causes the latching body to disengage from the latching receptacle, releasing the actuating body without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuation space while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If the release position latching device automatically changes position based on rotational position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the automatic detection and transition mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The release position latching device automatically detects the rotational position of the pivot bearing body through the mechanical interaction between the latching body and latching receptacle. When the pivot bearing body rotates from the rest position, the latching body is automatically pushed out of the latching receptacle by the rotational movement itself, without requiring separate sensors or detection systems. This self-service detection mechanism improves ease of operation while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching body acts as an intermediary element that translates the rotational movement of the pivot bearing body into the release of the actuating body. The latching receptacle is positioned such that rotation of the pivot bearing body automatically pushes the latching body out of engagement, creating a mechanical linkage that automatically controls the transition between latched and latched-release positions without requiring external control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the trailer hitch to maintain the actuating body's release position during movement and securely fix the pivot bearing body in the working position, ensuring reliable operation and compact design, while allowing for independent locking in the rest position with reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least acted upon in the release position of the actuating body by a spring element in the direction of the locking position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck movable between a working position and a rest position with a coupling ball, a pivot bearing unit fixed to the vehicle, and a rotary locking device with at least two rotary locking elements which are guided in a guide direction with at least one component in the radial direction to the pivot axis by means of a guide body, and with an actuating element having a wedge surface extending transversely to the guide direction for each of the rotary locking elements and rotatably arranged about the pivot axis, by the rotary movement of which in an actuating direction the at least two rotary locking elements can be moved and actuated in the guide direction, wherein a release position detent device is provided.which, in a release position of the actuating body, is movable between a detent release position which allows movement of the actuating body relative to the guide body and a detent position which fixes the actuating body relative to the guide body, and is acted upon by a spring element in the direction of the detent position at least in the release position of the actuating body.