Trailer Coupling Ball Sensor Zone for Alignment Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer couplings lack effective means to detect and assess the form and alignment of bodies engaging with the coupling ball, which is crucial for optimal functionality and stability.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a sensor zone with multiple stationary detection locations and sensor units within the coupling ball, allowing for the recognition of the surface area and alignment of engaging bodies relative to a fixed coordinate system, using non-contact sensors such as ultrasonic or magnetic field sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor units are integrated into the coupling ball, then detection precision and body recognition capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball body is divided into multiple detection locations, each with its own sensor unit. This segmentation allows the system to detect different regions of the engaging body independently, improving measurement precision by capturing spatial distribution information across the coupling interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor units serve multiple functions: detecting presence of engaging bodies, determining alignment, measuring surface area contact, and providing feedback for stability assessment. This multi-functionality improves detection precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If sensor zone is positioned on the ball surface, then detection capability is improved, but structural strength and wear resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor units are nested within recesses in the ball body, with the sensor zone positioned on the ball surface but the sensing elements housed internally. This nesting protects the sensors from direct mechanical loads and wear while maintaining detection capability through the ball surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball surface acts as an intermediary between the external engaging body and the internally housed sensor units. The sensor zone on the surface transmits mechanical contact information to the protected sensors inside, enabling detection while preserving structural strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If stationary detection locations are used, then coordinate system stability is improved, but adaptability to different body positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system transitions from single-point detection to multi-point spatial detection across the ball surface. By distributing sensor units at multiple stationary locations, the system creates a two-dimensional detection array that maintains coordinate stability while capturing three-dimensional position information of engaging bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary sensor units provide continuous feedback about body presence, alignment, and contact area. This feedback enables the system to adapt to different body positions by processing spatial patterns from multiple fixed detection locations, transforming positional adaptability through information synthesis rather than physical reconfiguration.
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 precise detection of bodies engaging with the coupling ball, providing information on their extent and alignment, enhancing the stability and wear resistance of the coupling system.
Implementation Method 1
using non-contact sensors such as ultrasonic or magnetic field sensors
Implementation Method 2
using non-contact sensors such as ultrasonic or magnetic field sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a trailer coupling for motor vehicles, comprising a coupling ball carrier which can be mounted on a vehicle body and a coupling ball with a ball body which has a ball surface extending between a ball attachment and an upper end surface of the ball body, with which the ball surface comprises a sensor zone for recognizing a body located close to or on the coupling ball, several detection locations different from one another are located in the sensor zone, a sensor unit arranged stationarily in the ball body beneath the ball surface is associated with each detection location and each sensor unit is designed such that it detects a body present in a close-proximity area above the ball surface at the respective detection location.