Trailer Hitch Angle Detection Carrier Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch systems face challenges in easily and reliably detecting the angle of the towing hitch relative to the trailer hitch, particularly in terms of ease of installation and retrofitting existing systems for angle detection.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch design featuring a carrier with a driver part that can be easily replaced and mounted on a coupling body, utilizing a combination of magnetic sensors and a driver with rotating magnets to detect angular positions, allowing for precise angle measurement and communication of this data through a bus interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trailer hitch is equipped with an angle detection system, then the driving stability and reverse parking assistance are improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the angle detection system with the existing coupling body structure by integrating a carrier that can be entrained by the coupling receptacle and a sensor unit mounted on the coupling body carrier. This merging approach allows angle detection functionality to be added without requiring a completely separate system, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical component for coupling receptacle engagement and a rotational element for angle detection. The sensor unit also serves dual purposes by detecting both the angular position and the presence/status of the coupling receptacle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, addressing the complexity issue
2Measurement precision
If an angle detection system is integrated into the trailer hitch, then the measurement precision of angular position is improved, but the ease of manufacture and retrofitting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The angle detection system is segmented into modular components: a carrier that can be mounted on the coupling body, a sensor unit with specific sensor elements, and a coupling body carrier. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and retrofitting, as components can be produced separately and assembled on existing trailer hitches without requiring complete redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier acts as an intermediary component between the coupling body and the coupling receptacle. It provides a mounting interface for the sensor unit while being entrained by the coupling receptacle, enabling angle detection without directly modifying the original coupling body structure. This intermediary approach facilitates retrofitting on existing systems
3Reliability
If a carrier with entrainment capability is added to the coupling body, then the reliability of angle detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical engagement with the coupling receptacle, serves as a rotational element for angle measurement, and acts as a mounting platform for the sensor unit. This consolidation improves reliability by ensuring coordinated operation of these functions while managing structural complexity through integration
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
Enables reliable and easy detection of the trailer hitch angle, enhancing driving stability and facilitating the installation of angle detection systems, both new and retrofitted, by providing accurate angular position data for improved vehicle-trailer combinations.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor (31) is designed to detect a position of the driver (33, 133) relative to the coupling body (15, 15b) and, accordingly, an angular position of the towing hitch (16) relative to the trailer hitch (10, 110)
Data Source
Figure 1~13
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7b
AI summary
The invention relates to a trailer coupling (10) for a motor vehicle (12), comprising a coupling body carrier (15) (13) attachable to the motor vehicle (12) and a coupling body (15) arranged at a free end region of the coupling body carrier (13), in particular a spherical shape on the outside, wherein the coupling body (15) forms a bearing body for the coupling receptacle (18) rotatably for pivoting relative to the coupling body carrier (13), wherein the trailer coupling (10) has a driver (33) mounted on the coupling body (15), in particular annular shape, which is movable by the coupling receptacle (18) and relative to the coupling body (15) and forms a component of a sensor arrangement (30) for detecting an angular position of the coupling (16) relative to the coupling body carrier (13).