Trailer Hitch Structure Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer hitch structures fail to efficiently absorb impact loads during rear-end collisions due to the offset configuration, which generates bending moments that deform rear side frames, and existing solutions require a long region for impact absorption, incompatible with vehicles with low center of gravity and heavy batteries.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch structure with a hat-shaped rear side frame and an energy absorption region at the rear, featuring fixed brackets that allow the fixed members to swing freely, distributing the impact load through a cross member and hitch support, and optionally using external EA stays or EA regions formed by machining, to absorb the impact with a short span.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trailer hitch is offset downward with respect to the rear side frames, then the hitch support arm can protrude towards the rear of the vehicle body, but a large bending moment is generated in the fixed plates during rear-end collision, causing the rear side frames to deform easily
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed plates are designed to swing freely in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body during rear-end collision, transforming from a static rigid connection to a dynamic movable connection. This allows the fixed plates to rotate and absorb impact energy, preventing the generation of large bending moments that would otherwise cause the rear side frames to deform
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into multiple components: fixed brackets attached to the rear side frames, fixed plates that can swing relative to the frames, and a cross member connecting the fixed plates. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the fixed brackets provide anchor points, the fixed plates absorb impact through swinging motion, and the cross member maintains structural integrity
2Reliability
If a fold promoting member and fragile portion are added to enable double bending deformation for impact absorption, then the rear side frame can absorb impact load, but a relatively long region is required in the rear side frame, which is incompatible with vehicles having heavy batteries installed under the rear floor panel
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed plates are designed to swing freely in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body during rear-end collision, transforming from a static rigid connection to a dynamic movable connection. This allows the fixed plates to rotate and absorb impact energy, preventing the generation of large bending moments that would otherwise cause the rear side frames to deform
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into multiple components: fixed brackets attached to the rear side frames, fixed plates that can swing relative to the frames, and a cross member connecting the fixed plates. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the fixed brackets provide anchor points, the fixed plates absorb impact through swinging motion, and the cross member maintains structural integrity
3Device complexity
If the trailer hitch is connected directly with highly rigid rear side frames, then the structure is simple and strong, but the rear side frames cannot efficiently absorb the impact load during rear-end collision
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed plates are designed to swing freely in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body during rear-end collision, transforming from a static rigid connection to a dynamic movable connection. This allows the fixed plates to rotate and absorb impact energy, preventing the generation of large bending moments that would otherwise cause the rear side frames to deform
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed plates act as intermediary elements between the rigid rear side frames and the hitch support arm. During normal operation, they provide a stable connection, but during collision, they swing to absorb impact energy, protecting the rear side frames from direct impact forces
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 structure effectively absorbs impact loads by collapsing the energy absorption region, preventing deformation of the rear side frames and protecting vehicle components, even in vehicles with heavy batteries, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorption region at the rear, featuring fixed brackets that allow the fixed members to swing freely, distributing the impact load through a cross member and hitch support
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer hitch connected to rear frames has, on each side, a fixed member fixed to a rear end surface of the corresponding rear side frame. The rear surfaces of the fixed plates are connected to each other by a cross member. A hitch support for supporting a hitch ball is provided at the center of the cross member. A front surface upper portion of each of the fixed members is supported by an arm of a fixed bracket fixedly installed to the corresponding rear frame, so as to swing freely in a longitudinal direction.