Trailer Electrical Connector Assembly Automatic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual and tedious process of coupling and decoupling trailers to vehicles, which includes securing the trailer coupler and inserting electrical connectors, lacks efficiency and automation.
Innovation Solution
A trailer electrical connector assembly with a vehicle portion featuring a hitch ring and guides, and a trailer portion with a sleeve ring and receivers, that automatically couple to form an electrical connection when the hitch ball is inserted, utilizing magnets for secure alignment and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual coupling and decoupling process is used for trailers, then the user can securely attach the trailer coupler and electrical connectors, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connector assembly with the trailer coupler mechanism, integrating two previously separate manual operations (coupling the coupler and inserting electrical connectors) into a single automated action. When the hitch ball is inserted, both the mechanical coupling and electrical connection occur simultaneously through the integrated design, eliminating the need for separate manual steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automatic detection and connection. The optical sensors detect the presence of the hitch ball and automatically trigger the coupling mechanism and electrical connection without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting its own state and executing the appropriate coupling actions autonomously.
2Productivity
If automated coupling mechanism is implemented, then the coupling process becomes efficient and convenient, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch ring serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical coupling structure and a housing for the electrical connector assembly. The optical sensors are integrated into the existing coupler structure rather than being separate components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the automated capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector assembly is nested within the hitch ring structure, with the optical sensors and connectors housed inside the mechanical coupling components. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions into a compact integrated unit, reducing the overall space requirements and simplifying the external appearance while maintaining automated functionality.
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
Facilitates automatic coupling and decoupling of trailers, maintaining electrical connection during towing and disconnection when the hitch ball is released, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The hitch ring and the sleeve ring include magnets for coupling the sleeve ring with the hitch ring
Data Source
AI summary
Trailer electrical connector assemblies can facilitate the automatic coupling and decoupling of a trailer. A trailer electrical connector assembly can include a vehicle portion and a trailer portion. The vehicle portion can include a hitch ring that is secured to a hitch ball and guides within which contacts are positioned. The trailer portion can include a sleeve that is positioned around a coupling mechanism of the trailer and a sleeve ring that forms receivers within which contacts are positioned. When the hitch ball is inserted into the trailer's coupling mechanism, the receivers can be automatically coupled with the guides to thereby form an electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer.