Swiveling Trailer Hitch Flat Surface Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swiveling trailer hitch designs face challenges with high pressure concentrations at contact points due to minimal surface areas, increased manufacturing costs from precise geometric processing, and limitations in adjusting the shaft rotation angle between locked positions, which are exacerbated by the need for additional compensation elements and mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A swiveling trailer hitch mechanism utilizing flat surfaces for power transmission with a robust locking element, such as a detent pin, that allows for complete utilization of the flat surface area, reducing deformation and manufacturing complexity, and enabling free adjustment of the shaft between locked positions without additional mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple locking elements with point or linear contact surfaces are used, then the locking mechanism can be compact, but enormous pressures arise at contact points requiring high material strength and heat treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from point contact (0D) or linear contact (1D) to planar surface contact (2D) by using flat locking surfaces. The locking element engages with a flat surface on the shaft, distributing the locking force across an area rather than concentrating it at a point or along a line, thereby reducing contact pressure while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If conical surfaces are used for locking elements, then the contact surface is larger, but the cost of precise geometric processing increases due to requirements for coaxiality and equal conicity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex conical surfaces that require precise geometric processing, the invention inverts the approach by using simple flat surfaces. The locking element has a flat engagement surface that contacts a flat surface on the shaft, eliminating the need for complex conical geometry and associated precision requirements while still providing adequate contact area.
3Reliability
If multiple locking elements are arranged on the circumference of the shaft, then locking is achieved, but the shaft rotation angle is limited to specific discrete positions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locking function from a multi-element discrete positioning system and implements it with a single continuous locking element. The single locking element can engage with the flat shaft surface at any rotational position, providing continuous adjustability while maintaining reliable locking through the large contact area and robust engagement geometry.
4Area of stationary object
If a robust locking element with large contact area is used, then the demands on installation dimensions increase, but this can be eliminated by handling the locking element in the axis parallel to the shaft axis
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element features an asymmetric geometry where the large contact surface is oriented perpendicular to the shaft axis, allowing the element to be inserted parallel to the shaft axis. This asymmetric design enables the robust locking element with large contact area to be installed in a compact space by aligning the insertion direction with the shaft axis rather than requiring radial space.
Data Source
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AI summary
The swivel hitch has a single locking element that is used for mechanism. The single locking element is formed by a locking pin (4). The locking pin is moved an eccentric (5). The locking pin is provided with a guide slot (6). The locking pin is provided in the engaged position in a latching notch. The guide slot is arranged in the surface of revolution (7) of the eccentric. The surface of revolution is arranged eccentrically relative to a rotational shaft (14) of the eccentric.