Height-Adjustable Trailer Hitch With Load Detection Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable trailer hitches for farm tractors lack accurate load recording capabilities, particularly under high tensile and shear loads, which can lead to inadequate detection of deformation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The integration of sensors, preferably strain gauges, between or on ribs extending from the coupling head to the guide rails, combined with a Wheatstone bridge configuration and wireless data transmission using a radio wave transmitter, allows for precise detection and display of load conditions, ensuring operational safety within permissible limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a carrier without additional reinforcement is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of load detection deteriorates under high tensile and shear loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-reinforcing the carrier with ribs extending from the coupling head to the guide rails. This structural reinforcement is built in advance to prevent excessive deformation under high loads before the actual towing operation begins, ensuring accurate sensor readings are maintained even under maximum stress conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is segmented into distinct structural elements including ribs, guide rails, and coupling head sections. This segmentation allows the reinforcement to be strategically positioned where loads are highest, improving measurement precision without requiring complete redesign of the entire carrier structure.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is placed on the outer surface of the carrier, then the measurement precision is improved, but the sensor becomes more vulnerable to external influences such as impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by positioning the sensor between the ribs rather than on the outer surface. The ribs act as protective elements that cushion and shield the sensor from external impacts and environmental influences, while still allowing the sensor to detect carrier deformation accurately through the rib structure.
3Strength
If ribs are added to reinforce the carrier, then the strength and stability are improved, but the weight of the carrier increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding ribs only in specific locations where structural reinforcement is most needed - extending from the coupling head to the guide rails. This localized reinforcement approach increases flexural rigidity and strength precisely where loads are concentrated, rather than uniformly thickening the entire carrier, thus minimizing weight increase.
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 solution provides high-accuracy load detection and alerts the driver to unsafe conditions, reducing the risk of trailer hitch damage by offering real-time, digital feedback on load status, thus enhancing operational safety and stability.
Implementation Method 1
A strain gauge has proven particularly useful for the at least one sensor, since it can reliably convert even small deformations of the carrier into an electrical signal that can be evaluated, namely a change in electrical resistance.
Implementation Method 2
In particular, to compensate for the temperature coefficients of the sensors, it is expedient to connect at least two of the sensors to form a Wheatstone bridge.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A height-adjustable trailer hitch (1) for a vehicle has a support (2) that is slidably guided between guide rails. The support (2) carries a coupling head (4) which serves to connect a trailer. To extend the functionality of the trailer hitch (1), a sensor (7) is provided on the support (2) that detects deformations under tensile and compressive loads. This sensor (7) is operatively connected to a display unit.