Trailer Coupling Sensor Recess for Deformation Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch systems face challenges in accurately detecting deformation of the support element under load due to mechanical stress on sensors, which can lead to damage from environmental influences and inefficient force measurement.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates reference surfaces that move relative to each other during deformation, positioned transversely or at right angles to the support section, and are free from the force flow, allowing for accurate measurement of deformation without direct force transmission, and are protected from environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is arranged on the coupling arm to detect deformation, then the measurement precision of deformation is improved, but the sensor is subjected to mechanical stress and environmental influences which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arm is segmented by creating a recess that separates the sensor mounting area from the main load-bearing structure. The sensor is mounted on a sensor support element within the recess, which is mechanically decoupled from the deformation zones, allowing the sensor to measure deformation indirectly without experiencing direct mechanical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor support element acts as an intermediary between the coupling arm structure and the sensor. It provides a stable mounting platform for the sensor while being positioned in a recess that protects it from environmental influences and mechanical stress, allowing accurate deformation measurement without compromising sensor reliability.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned to directly measure support element deformation, then the measurement precision is improved, but the sensor becomes exposed to environmental influences and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within a recess in the coupling arm structure, which protects it from environmental influences. The recess creates a protected cavity where the sensor can be mounted on the sensor support element, shielded from external factors while still enabling accurate deformation measurement through the reference surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess structure serves as an intermediary protective barrier between the sensor and environmental hazards. It allows the sensor to function accurately while being physically protected from damage by objects rubbing against the tow bar or other environmental factors.
3Measurement precision
If the reference surfaces are positioned to move during deformation, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reference surfaces may be subjected to force flow which complicates the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The reference surfaces are specifically positioned on the sensor support element in a location that experiences minimal force flow during deformation. This local positioning strategy allows the reference surfaces to move with the deformation while avoiding the complex stress concentration zones, simplifying the measurement interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference surfaces are oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the support section, measuring deformation in a different dimensional orientation. This transverse arrangement allows accurate deformation detection while avoiding direct alignment with the primary force flow direction, reducing measurement complexity.
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
This solution enables precise detection of deformation in the support element, such as the coupling arm, by measuring the distance between reference surfaces, improving the accuracy and durability of force measurements, including support, tensile, and shear loads, while protecting the sensors from environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a support section of the support element that deforms when subjected to the load
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A trailer coupling for a motor vehicle including a coupling arm for attaching a trailer or for carrying a load carrier, and including at least one sensor for detecting a deformation, caused by a load engaged on the bearing element, of a bearing element of the trailer coupling, wherein at least one recess is provided on the bearing element for the at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is provided for measuring a spacing of reference surfaces of the at least one recess. The reference surfaces move toward one another or away from one another during a deformation of the bearing element and extend in a transverse manner in relation to a support section of the bearing element which deforms during stress applied by the load and/or are free from a flow of forces through the support section of the bearing element.