Trailer Coupling Securing Element Automation Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer coupling systems face reliability issues during coupling processes due to the position and orientation of the counter-coupling element relative to the towing vehicle, which can prevent the safety device from being properly triggered, leading to inconsistent and unreliable coupling.
Innovation Solution
The trailer coupling system incorporates a securing element that moves from a release position to a coupling position, with a predefined and reproducible movement sequence, and includes a locking element that can be adjusted between locking and unlocking positions, along with a pretensioning device to ensure secure engagement and prevent unintentional disengagement, enhancing operational reliability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the safety device is triggered by the counter-coupling element directly, then the coupling process can be automated, but the reliability decreases because the counter-coupling element's position and orientation vary depending on the trailing vehicle type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the securing element with predefined movement sequence and triggering element) that mediates between the counter-coupling element and the safety device. This intermediary ensures reliable triggering regardless of the counter-coupling element's position and orientation variations, resolving the contradiction between automation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling process is segmented into distinct phases with the securing element following a predefined movement sequence (approach position, triggering position, coupling position). This segmentation ensures that the safety device is reliably triggered at the appropriate moment, independent of external variations.
2Device complexity
If the securing element is held in the securing position by a simple spring-loaded locking pin, then the design is simple, but the reliability decreases because the locking pin cannot transfer the coupling unit from coupling position to release position
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed to be dynamic rather than static, capable of moving between approach position, triggering position, coupling position, and release position. This dynamic design allows the same element to perform multiple functions including securing and releasing, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and functional completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is designed as a multi-functional component that can secure the coupling unit in the coupling position and also transfer it to the release position. This universal design eliminates the need for separate components, maintaining simplicity while achieving functional completeness.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling unit is allowed to move freely between positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability decreases due to risk of unintentional disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is preliminarily positioned to engage with the securing element in the coupling position, preventing unintentional disengagement before it can occur. This preliminary action maintains reliability while allowing easy operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element automatically engages and disengages based on the position of the coupling unit, providing self-service protection against accidental disengagement without requiring operator intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a trailer coupling (10) for a towing vehicle (26), comprising a base body (12), a coupling unit (14) with a coupling element (16) which is designed to interact with a counter-coupling element (18) of a towing vehicle (22), wherein the coupling unit (14) is adjustable relative to the base body (12) between a coupling position and a release position, and a locking device (40) with a locking element (42) which is adjustable between a locking position and a release position, wherein in its locking position it secures the coupling unit (14) in its coupling position.