Trailer Hitch Bearing Mount Spring Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitches face challenges with complex guidance systems that can jam and fail to provide a convenient mechanism for adjusting the coupling arm between use and non-use positions, leading to handling difficulties and potential corrosion issues.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch design featuring a bearing mount and bearing element that are actuated relative to each other by an adjusting spring arrangement, allowing for easy adjustment between positions through conical, spherical, or cylindrical interlocking surfaces, with an encapsulated spring for optimal force introduction and a compensating element to manage play, eliminating the need for external springs and reducing jamming risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complicated guidance system with connecting links is used to guide the coupling arm, then the coupling arm can be positioned between use and non-use positions, but the system risks jamming and requires complex maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the connecting links and complex guidance system from the trailer hitch design. Instead of using multiple connecting components to guide the coupling arm, the invention uses a simple bearing assembly with a bearing mount and bearing element that allow the coupling arm to pivot directly between positions without intermediate guiding mechanisms, thereby eliminating jamming risks associated with complex linkages
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using active guidance mechanisms to control the coupling arm movement, the patent inverts the approach by using a passive bearing assembly that allows free pivoting movement. The bearing mount and bearing element work together to provide guidance through their geometric configuration rather than through active mechanical guidance links
2Ease of operation
If the coupling arm is allowed to fall into a lower middle position when fixation is released, then the coupling arm becomes accessible for adjustment, but additional fixing mechanisms are required to secure it in position
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting spring arrangement automatically performs the function of positioning the coupling arm in the intermediate accessible position when the fixation is released. The spring arrangement exerts a force that naturally guides the coupling arm to this position without requiring additional fixing mechanisms or complex control systems, making the system self-adjusting
3Force
If external springs are used for adjustment, then force can be applied to move components, but the springs are exposed to environmental influences causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the adjusting spring arrangement inside the bearing mount, nesting it within the protected interior space of the bearing assembly. This enclosure shields the spring from environmental factors such as moisture and dirt, preventing corrosion while maintaining its force application function for adjusting the coupling arm position
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 design enhances handling by allowing easy adjustment of the coupling arm between positions, reduces the risk of jamming, and protects the spring from environmental influences, ensuring reliable operation and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The adjusting spring arrangement (78) can have various purposes, for example contributing to the release of the positive locking of the fixing device and/or to moving the coupling arm into a ready position that lies between the position of use and the position of non-use
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The trailer coupling (10) has a bearing (12), which has a vehicle bearing part (13) and a coupling arm-bearing part that is mounted at the vehicle bearing part between a custom position and a non-usage position in a mobile manner. A coupling arm is arranged at the coupling arm-bearing part. The bearing has a restoring spring arrangement (78) that impinges a bearing retainer (25) and a bearing element (26) relative to each other towards a predetermined position.