Trailer Coupling Sensor System for Pivot Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch systems face challenges in clearly detecting the position of the pivoting element, particularly in operating states where indirect detection methods are unreliable, leading to difficulties in determining the end position and potential faults.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system is integrated to directly detect the position of the pivoting element relative to the pivot bearing unit, providing position information with high angular resolution and the ability to detect positions within a range encompassing both working and rest positions, including intermediate positions, using a combination of sensors and an evaluation unit that compares detected positions with reference values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indirect detection methods (push-button switches or swivel locking devices) are used to detect end positions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of position detection deteriorates in certain operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical detection methods (push-button switches, swivel locking devices) with a direct sensor-based detection system. Sensors mounted on the pivoting element and pivot bearing unit provide direct electrical signals about the relative position, eliminating the need for mechanical intermediaries and improving detection reliability while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary elements between the pivoting element and the control system. These sensors (such as magnetic sensors, optical sensors, or encoders) act as mediators that directly measure the relative position and provide accurate position information to the control unit, resolving the contradiction between simple device structure and precise position detection.
2Reliability
If sensor systems are used to directly detect positions, then the measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to serve multiple functions: detecting end positions, detecting intermediate positions, monitoring swivel angle ranges, and providing feedback for control. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms for each function, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If only end positions are detected, then the device complexity is minimized, but the loss of information about intermediate positions and swivel angle ranges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously provides feedback about the relative position of the pivoting element throughout its entire range of motion, not just at end positions. This continuous feedback enables the control unit to monitor intermediate positions, detect swivel angle ranges, and identify deviations from expected positions, thereby preventing losses in position information while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to improve a trailer coupling comprising a swivel bearing unit that can be mounted rigidly to a rear area of a vehicle body and a swivel element mounted on the swivel bearing unit so as to be pivotable about at least one pivot axis, with which a ball neck carrying a coupling ball is rigidly connected, which can be pivoted between two end positions by pivoting the swivel element about the at least one pivot axis relative to the swivel bearing unit, one of which is a working position and the other of which is a rest position, in such a way that the position of the swivel element can be detected as simply and unambiguously as possible, it is proposed that a sensor system be provided to detect at least one position of the swivel element relative to the swivel bearing unit with respect to the at least one pivot axis.which detects the positions of the swivel element relative to the vehicle-mounted swivel bearing unit and generates position information representative of the respective position of the swivel element.