Trailer Coupling Support Element Transverse Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer couplings face issues with shearing forces acting transversally to the load axis on the threaded bolt, leading to potential damage due to inadequate loading of the bolt, which is mitigated by increasing the cross-sectional area of the through-opening, but this compromises the structural integrity and loadability of the transverse carrier.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a support element with a support surface and protrusion that engages in the through-opening of the side wall, allowing the support surface to be loaded in the direction of the load axis and the protrusion to absorb transverse forces, thereby reducing the load on the tension anchor and enhancing the structural integrity and loadability of the transverse carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cross-sectional area of the through-opening is increased to reduce shearing forces on the threaded bolt, then the threaded bolt is better protected from damage, but the structural integrity and loadability of the transverse carrier deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between two distinct components: the threaded bolt (tension anchor) handles axial loading while the support element with support protrusion handles transverse shearing forces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element acts as an intermediary component between the threaded bolt and the transverse carrier. It mediates the force transmission by absorbing shearing forces through its support protrusion before they reach the threaded bolt, while maintaining a compact through-opening design that preserves the structural integrity of the transverse carrier.
2Force
If a broad cross section through-opening is used to minimize transverse loading of the threaded bolt, then the threaded bolt experiences less shearing force, but the transverse carrier's loadability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support element serves as a mediator that intercepts and redirects transverse forces away from the threaded bolt. The support protrusion engages with the transverse carrier wall to create a bearing surface that handles shearing forces, allowing the threaded bolt to focus on axial tension loading only.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element introduces local structural reinforcement at the through-opening location. The support protrusion creates a localized bearing surface that strengthens the transverse carrier wall at the critical loading point, allowing the overall carrier design to maintain higher loadability without compromising bolt protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer coupling for a motor vehicle is disclosed, which comprises a carrier assembly having a transverse carrier designed as a profiled part and a retainer retained on the transverse carrier for retaining a coupling element, of the trailer coupling, wherein the coupling element is provided for fastening a trailer or a load carrier, wherein the retainer is connected to the transverse carrier by a tension anchor of a tension anchor assembly wherein the tension anchor penetrates the transverse carrier along the tension anchor load axis of the tension anchor and loads an abutment surface of the retainer, through which abutment surface the tension anchor load axis or an axis parallel to the tension anchor load axis passes, against a side wall of the transverse carrier, said side wall having a through-opening for the tension anchor wherein the tension anchor assembly has a support element having a support surface and a support protrusion, which protrudes from the support surface in the direction of the tension anchor load axis and which engages in the through-opening of the side wall, wherein the support surface of the support element is supported on the side wall of the transverse carrier next to the through-opening by at least one force component in the direction of the load axis and the support protrusion is supported in the through-opening by at least one force component transverse to the load axis.