Trailer Drawbar Sliding Joint and Load Cell Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drawbar devices for semi-mounted trailers, particularly in agricultural mixers, face challenges in integrating inertial braking and weighing functions without mutual interference and at reasonable production costs, as existing solutions require complex and costly modifications to accommodate both features.
Innovation Solution
A drawbar device with an intermediate connecting part that slides relative to the front part and is pivot-connected to the rear part with a load cell, allowing independent operation of sliding and weighing functions, utilizing a sliding connection for inertial braking and a pivot connection with a load cell for precise stress measurement, enabling separate and non-interfering execution of these functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional weighing means are installed at the axle or wheels of the towed vehicle to enable integrated weighing, then weighing function is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the sliding connection for inertial braking control while simultaneously integrating weighing capability through the load cell in the intermediate connecting part. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate weighing means at the axle or wheels, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both braking and weighing functions.
2Extent of automation
If sliding connection is implemented for inertial braking control, then braking function is achieved, but integrating weighing function without interference becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar device is segmented into distinct functional parts: the sliding connection between front and intermediate parts handles inertial braking control, while the pivot connection with load cell in the intermediate to rear part handles weighing. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently without interference, simplifying the integration of both functions within a single drawbar device.
3Measurement precision
If load cell is integrated in the drawbar device for weighing, then weighing function is achieved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is merged into the intermediate connecting part of the drawbar device, combining the weighing function with the existing structural components. The intermediate connecting part serves dual purposes: it provides the pivot connection for rotational movement and incorporates the load cell for weight measurement. This merging approach integrates weighing capability without requiring separate structural additions, thereby limiting the increase in structural 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 configuration allows for accurate and reliable load measurement while maintaining a simple and cost-effective drawbar structure, enabling precise control of inertial braking and stress determination without complex or expensive modifications, optimizing structural integrity and reducing height for easier access.
Implementation Method 1
at least one load cell (9) blocking said rotation about said axis of rotation (AR)
Implementation Method 2
the movement of the mobile coupling part controlling the braking means of the towed vehicle... by the inertial thrust of the trailer axially compressing the telescopic drawbar
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a drawbar device for a semi-mounted trailer, having a longitudinal axis (AL) and comprising a front part (3) for attaching to a towing vehicle and a rear part (4) belonging to the trailer chassis or rigidly connected thereto or to the container or platform supporting said trailer. The drawbar device (1) is characterized in that it also comprises an intermediate connecting part (6) which is connected, on the one hand, to the front part (3) by a sliding joint (7) with relative sliding capability in the direction of the longitudinal axis (AL) and, on the other hand, to the rear part (4) by means of a pivot joint (8) with an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AL) and by means of at least one load cell (9) blocking rotation about said axis of rotation.