Trailer Hitch Locking Mechanism with Blocking Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch locking mechanisms face challenges in maintaining the locking body in the locked position due to spring loads being overcome by driving loads, leading to a residual risk of unintentional unlocking, requiring additional tension members and locks for secure operation.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch design featuring a blocking body that can be adjusted between a release and blocking position, utilizing a spring-loaded unlocking actuator to move the locking body laterally into its unlocked position, eliminating the need for separate power transmission and reducing the complexity of the locking mechanism by using a pulling element without the need to withstand pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a spring-loaded locking body is used to maintain the locking position, then the locking mechanism is simple in structure, but the locking body may move into the unlocked position due to driving loads overcoming the spring force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a blocking body that proactively prevents the locking body from moving into the unlocked position. The blocking body is positioned to physically block the locking body's movement path, countering the potential harmful effect of driving loads before they can cause unintentional unlocking. This preemptive measure ensures reliability without requiring complex additional locking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If additional locks and tension members are added to prevent unintentional unlocking, then the reliability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blocking function and unlocking function into a single integrated blocking body. This blocking body simultaneously performs the function of preventing unintentional unlocking (reliability) and can be actuated to release the locking mechanism (unlocking operation). By combining multiple functions into one component, the patent achieves high reliability without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking body is spring-loaded and automatically positions itself to block the locking body, providing self-service protection against unintentional unlocking. The spring force automatically maintains the blocking body in its blocking position, eliminating the need for additional locks or tension members while ensuring continuous reliability.
3Reliability
If a pull element that can withstand pressure is used to actuate the locking body, then the locking mechanism is secure against unintentional unlocking, but additional locking means are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure-withstanding requirement from the pull element by using a rod element that is only subjected to tensile forces. The blocking body, which handles the blocking and unlocking functions, is actuated by this simplified rod element. This separation of functions allows the use of a simpler rod element without pressure-withstanding requirements, eliminating the need for additional locking means while maintaining reliability through the blocking body's design.
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 design enhances safety and simplicity by ensuring the locking body remains securely locked without external power transmission, reducing the risk of unintentional unlocking and eliminating the need for additional locking means, thus providing a robust and reliable locking solution.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arrangement (50) which acts on the locking body (38) via the unlocking actuating element (54) in the locking direction (V)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The trailer coupling (10) has a coupling arm (15) for coupling a trailer and a holder (13) for holding the coupling arm. A locking device (22) has a retaining element (64) for blocking a movement of a locking body (38) from a locking position (V) into an unlocking position (E). The retaining element is provided between a releasing position and a locking position (S).