Trailer Extension Coupling with Locking Wedge and Shock Absorber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing equipment fails to effectively mitigate vertical shock and longitudinal chucking between tow vehicles and trailers, leading to a rough ride and increased fatigue for drivers and passengers.
Innovation Solution
An extension coupling with a pin box assembly, shock absorber, air spring, and locking wedge is used to connect trailers to tow hitches, providing a buffer against vertical shocks and anti-chucking in the longitudinal direction, featuring a pivot shaft, skid plate, and adjustable locking wedge for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional rigid coupling is used to connect trailer to tow hitch, then structural strength is maintained, but vertical shock and longitudinal chucking are transmitted causing rough ride and increased fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The extension coupling acts as an intermediary buffer between the tow vehicle and trailer, incorporating shock-absorbing elements (coil springs, rubber buffers) and anti-chucking mechanisms (locking wedges, cables) that mediate the transmission of forces, reducing vertical shock and longitudinal chucking while maintaining structural connection
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system combines multiple materials with different properties - steel for structural strength, coil springs for elastic energy absorption, rubber buffers for vibration damping, and locking mechanisms for rigid positioning - creating a composite system that simultaneously provides strength and shock absorption
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shock absorption mechanisms are added to reduce vertical shock, then ride quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional modules: shock-absorbing elements (coil springs, rubber buffers) for vertical shock mitigation, anti-chucking mechanisms (locking wedges, cables) for longitudinal stability, and connection components (eyes, pins, brackets) for structural attachment - allowing each module to perform its specific function independently
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that adapts to loading conditions - springs compress and extend with vertical motion, rubber buffers deform to absorb shocks, and locking mechanisms engage/disengage based on longitudinal forces - providing appropriate mechanical response to varying operational conditions
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
The extension coupling significantly reduces stress on towing vehicles and trailers, enhancing ride quality by absorbing shocks and minimizing chucking, thereby improving the towing experience and reducing driver and passenger fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
an air spring connected between the first and second section
Implementation Method 2
a shock absorber connected between the first and second sections
Data Source
AI summary
An extension coupling for interconnecting a trailer to a tow hitch carried on a tow vehicle includes a pin box assembly having a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the trailer. A king pin is connected to the second end. The pin box assembly includes a locking wedge that engages the tow hitch to strictly limit pivoting movement of the pin box assembly relative to the tow hitch.