Trailer Hitch Angular Position Detection via Elastic Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch systems lack an effective method for accurately detecting the angular position of the drawbar relative to the trailer hitch, which is crucial for stable towing and parking, often resulting in wear and damage during coupling and decoupling.
Innovation Solution
The trailer hitch incorporates an elastic driving projection with a receiving cavity, allowing the projection to displace without compressing, and a sensor arrangement, such as magnetic sensors, to detect the angular position, ensuring minimal wear and precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid driving projection is used in the trailer hitch, then the structural strength is improved, but the wear and damage during coupling and decoupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving projection is made elastic instead of rigid, changing the material parameter from rigid to elastic. This allows the projection to deform during coupling and decoupling operations, absorbing mechanical stresses and reducing wear and damage while maintaining sufficient structural strength for normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving cavity is designed with sufficient depth to accommodate the driving projection when it is in its maximally deformed state. This pre-designed space acts as a cushioning mechanism, preventing the projection from striking the bottom of the cavity with excessive force and causing damage during normal operation
2Reliability
If the driving projection is made elastic to reduce wear, then the reliability is improved, but the structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic material is selected and dimensioned to achieve an optimal balance between elasticity for wear reduction and sufficient strength for load-bearing. The receiving cavity depth is specifically designed to match the expected deformation range, ensuring the projection has enough travel space to reduce wear while maintaining structural integrity under normal towing loads
3Measurement precision
If a sensor arrangement is added to detect angular position, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Mechanical angle detection mechanisms (such as mechanical linkages or contact-based sensors) are replaced with non-contact sensor arrangements. This substitution provides more precise angular position detection without the wear and mechanical complexity associated with traditional mechanical sensing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement is integrated into the existing trailer hitch structure, allowing the same component to serve both the mechanical coupling function and the angular position detection function. This integration minimizes additional complexity while achieving precise measurement capabilities
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 design reduces wear and tear on the hitch components, enhances the accuracy of angular position detection, and improves the stability and safety of the towing process by allowing for precise alignment and reduced friction during coupling and decoupling.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one driving projection is inherently elastic, for example. For example, it is formed by a type of protuberance that is provided on a base body of the driver. However, it is also possible for the at least one driving projection to be mounted resiliently and/or elastically on the base body.
Implementation Method 2
a sensor arrangement, such as magnetic sensors, to detect the angular position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The structure (70) has a trailer (71) that is fastened to the free end portion of the coupling portion support (11). An automotive dome unit (15) is coupled to a coupling unit of the trailer. A carrier (35) is movably mounted to the coupling unit having a projecting entraining projection. The carrier is provided with a sensor arrangement (30) for detecting an angular position of the coupling relative to the support. A receiving cavity is provided in the driving projection of the coupling unit, so that the traction coupling to the driving projection is movable.