Trailer Drawbar Quick-Release Interlocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of the drawbar on the rolling frame of trailers is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process requiring two operators due to the heavy and bulky nature of the drawbar, making it inefficient, especially during bulk deliveries.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of interlocking means with a pivoting connection and automatic locking mechanism, allowing for quick and tool-free attachment of the drawbar to the frame, enabling a single operator to perform the assembly by using a slot and latch system with a cam and pawl mechanism for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fastening means with pre-drilled mounting holes and transverse screws are used, then the drawbar can be securely attached to the chassis, but the assembly operation requires two operators and significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into separate functional components: interlocking members for positioning, locking means for securing, and release mechanisms for disassembly. This allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking members are pre-configured on the drawbar and chassis before assembly. The first interlocking member on the drawbar is designed to mate with the second interlocking member on the chassis, enabling quick alignment and attachment without requiring pre-drilled holes or complex positioning during assembly.
2Strength
If the drawbar is made heavy and bulky for structural strength, then it can withstand towing loads, but it becomes difficult for a single operator to handle and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking members act as intermediaries between the drawbar and chassis, distributing the mechanical loads through specialized contact surfaces. This allows the drawbar to be structurally strong while using lighter materials, and enables single-operator assembly through the mechanical advantage provided by the interlocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawbar assembly system incorporates dynamic elements including the movable latch that transitions between locked and unlocked states, and the cam mechanism that provides mechanical advantage during the locking operation. This allows a single operator to easily manipulate the heavy drawbar through controlled mechanical motion.
3Productivity
If quick-release fastening means are implemented, then assembly can be performed by a single operator quickly, but the complexity of the fastening mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into integrated components. The locking means combine the latch, cam, and ratchet elements into a unified mechanism that performs positioning, locking, and indicating functions simultaneously. This reduces the number of separate parts while achieving quick-release capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the cam-latch-ratchet system. When the drawbar is inserted or positioned, the cam automatically engages the latch and locks it in place through the ratchet mechanism, eliminating the need for manual bolt tightening or complex adjustment procedures.
4Reliability
If the drawbar is supplied assembled to the end user as required by regulations, then compliance is achieved, but transport and storage efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer system is segmented into separable components: the rolling chassis with fastening means, and the drawbar with complementary fastening means. This allows the drawbar to be detached for compact storage and transport, then quickly reattached at the dealer location using the quick-release mechanism, achieving both compliance and storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from a static permanently-fixed connection to a dynamic removable connection. The quick-release mechanism allows the drawbar to be easily attached and detached, enabling the trailer to be stored in a compact configuration during transport while being fully assembled and compliant when delivered to the end user.
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 simplifies the assembly process, allowing a single person to securely attach the drawbar to the frame quickly and efficiently, reducing the time and personnel required, especially during bulk deliveries.
Implementation Method 1
a movable latch (60) between a position of release of the slot opening and a position of closure of the slot opening; The cam drives the latch towards its closed position, the cam being interposed in the slot before the bar is inserted to automatically drive the latch into its closed position upon bar insertion; the latch is elastically returned to its release position
Implementation Method 2
the locking means comprise a contact cam which automatically controls the locking means in their locked state when the interlocking members are interlocked; the cam drives the latch towards its closed position, the cam being interposed in the slot before the bar is inserted to automatically drive the latch into its closed position upon bar insertion
Implementation Method 3
the locking means include an automatic locking ratchet for the latch in the closed position by elastic interlocking of complementary shapes between the latch and the ratchet
Data Source
Figure 1~7
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle trailer, the trailer (10) comprising: - a rolling chassis; - a longitudinal drawbar which includes at least one rear arm with a beam (52) of which a rear longitudinal end section (54) is intended to be fixed to the chassis - for example to the longitudinal members (13) - by fixing means; characterized in that the fixing means include self-locking interlocking means formed of a first interlocking member carried by the rear end section (54) of the arm which is intended to be interlocked with a second complementary interlocking member (50) carried by the chassis or the longitudinal members (13), the fixing means including locking means for the interlocking members in the interlocked position which are controlled between a release state and a locked state.