Trailer Hitch Bolt Position Detection Using Magnetic Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer hitches require significant installation space and consume high energy due to the arrangement of sensors adjacent to the bolt, are prone to damage from mechanical loads and contamination, and cable connections interfere with height adjustments on agricultural vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch with a field component that generates a magnetic or electric field surrounding the trajectory of the bolt to be monitored, allowing for space-saving and low-energy detection of the bolt's position, using a coil or electrode to induce or capacitively detect the bolt's presence, and incorporating a wireless transmission device for signal communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are arranged adjacent to the bolt to be monitored, then detection reliability is improved, but installation space requirement increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional contact-based proximity sensors with a field-based detection system using magnetic and/or electric fields. The sensor generates a field that extends into the coupling region, eliminating the need for physical proximity to the bolt while maintaining detection capability. This substitution resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable detection without requiring adjacent sensor placement, thus reducing installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial proximity-based detection to field-based detection by introducing magnetic and/or electric field dimensions. Instead of relying on physical distance and spatial arrangement, the system uses field penetration through the coupling structure to detect bolt position. This dimensional shift allows detection without adjacent sensor placement, resolving the space requirement contradiction.
2Reliability
If sensors are arranged adjacent to the bolt to be monitored, then detection reliability is improved, but exposure to mechanical loads and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensing with non-contact field-based sensing. The magnetic and/or electric fields penetrate the coupling structure to detect bolt position without requiring physical exposure to the coupling region. This eliminates exposure to mechanical loads, flying mass parts, and contamination while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic and/or electric fields as intermediaries between the sensor and the bolt to be monitored. These fields act as mediators that can penetrate the coupling structure and transmit detection information without requiring the sensor to be physically exposed to harmful environmental factors in the coupling region.
3Reliability
If cable connections are used for sensor signals, then power supply and signal transmission are ensured, but interference with height adjustment occurs and cable damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cable-based signal and power transmission with wireless communication technology. The sensor housing includes a wireless transmission device that communicates sensor signals and power requirements without physical cable connections. This eliminates interference with height adjustment movements and eliminates the risk of cable damage while ensuring reliable power supply and signal transmission.
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 reduces installation space requirements, minimizes energy consumption, enhances durability by shielding components, and eliminates cable interference, enabling reliable and efficient monitoring of the bolt's position with reduced maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor has a field component which generates a magnetic and/or electric field
Implementation Method 2
the sensor has a field component which generates a magnetic and/or electric field
Implementation Method 3
using a coil or electrode to induce or capacitively detect the bolt's presence
Implementation Method 4
using a coil or electrode to induce or capacitively detect the bolt's presence
Implementation Method 5
using a coil or electrode to induce or capacitively detect the bolt's presence
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The coupling (10) has coupling bolt (14) secured in coupling position by securing pin (28) against displacement. The pin is displaced between preparation state in which coupling bolt is located in release position in direction different from coupling position and securing state in which bolt is located in coupling position. A sensor (38) is arranged to detect whether pin in specific set position is monitored or not. The sensor has magnetic and electric field generating element (44) arranged in state surrounding trajectory (T) of pin by moving into and from to-be-monitored position.