Trailer Hitch Ball Neck Pivot Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer devices lack an efficient mechanism to pivot the ball neck receiving body from a rest position to a working position, requiring manual effort and lacking a reliable locking system to maintain the ball neck in the correct position.
Innovation Solution
A trailer device with a locking device that fixes the ball neck receiving body in the rest position using an actuator, allowing easy movement to the working position, and is loaded by force, either mechanically or through gravity, with a locking mechanism comprising two interacting components and an actuator drive for unlocking, ensuring secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ball neck receiving body is manually moved from rest position to working position, then the device can be operated, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to required manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The ball neck receiving body is designed to pivot automatically from rest position to working position using its own weight (gravity) as the driving force. The locking device engages and disengages automatically during this pivoting motion, eliminating the need for manual effort to move the ball neck receiving body while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is pre-configured with a locking component that engages with the ball neck receiving body at the rest position. When the ball neck receiving body pivots, the locking component automatically disengages in advance, allowing smooth transition to the working position without manual intervention or resistance.
2Ease of operation
If the ball neck receiving body is freely pivotable, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to inability to maintain fixed position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions between two states: locked and unlocked. In the unlocked state, the ball neck receiving body is freely pivotable for easy operation. In the locked state, the locking component engages to fix the ball neck receiving body in the working position, ensuring reliability and position stability. The system dynamically switches between these states based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component acts as an intermediary between the ball neck receiving body and the holding unit. It enables free pivoting when disengaged and provides secure fixation when engaged, mediating between the conflicting requirements of mobility and stability without compromising either ease of operation or reliability.
3Reliability
If a locking device is added to fix the ball neck receiving body, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated locking device with a simple locking component that engages with the ball neck receiving body. This modular approach provides reliable locking without complicating the overall structure, as the locking mechanism is self-contained and does not interfere with the primary pivoting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device operates automatically through the pivoting motion itself. The locking component engages and disengages based on the position and movement of the ball neck receiving body, eliminating the need for additional controls, actuators, or complex mechanisms. This self-service operation maintains simplicity while ensuring reliable locking.
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 solution enables easy and reliable pivoting of the ball neck receiving body from the rest to the working position without manual effort, ensuring secure locking and efficient operation, reducing the need for additional components and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the ball neck receiving body, at least in the rest position, is loaded by force in the direction towards the working position
Implementation Method 2
the trailer device is constructed in such a way that, at least in an operating state, the ball neck receiving body is force-loaded by the effect of the force of gravity in the direction towards the working position
Implementation Method 3
a locking device, which, in a locking state, fixes the ball neck receiving body in the rest position relative to the holding unit
Implementation Method 4
an actuator is provided, by means of embodiments of which the locking device is movable from the locking state into the unlocking state
Data Source
AI summary
To improve a trailer device for motor vehicles, comprising a holding unit for a crossmember mountable on a vehicle body on the rear-end side thereof and a ball neck receiving body having a ball neck receptacle, in which an insertion portion of a ball neck supporting a coupling ball is insertable and fixable therein, wherein the ball neck receiving body is arranged mounted on the holding unit so as to be pivotable at least between a working position, in which a ball neck is insertable by means of its insertion portion into the ball neck receptacle, and a rest position, it is proposed that the trailer device comprises a locking device which fixes the ball neck receiving body in the rest position in a locking state relative to the holding unit and has an unlocking state, in which the locking device allows the ball neck receiving body to pivot from the rest position in the direction towards the working position, and that an actuator is provided, by means of which the locking device is movable from the locking state into the unlocking state.