Trailer Hitch Insert with Locking Slide Plate for Jackknife Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch systems fail to automatically prevent jackknifing when backing up a trailer, as they either restrict forward movement or do not account for uneven road conditions, leading to instability and difficulty in aligning the trailer properly.
Innovation Solution
An anti-jackknife system that includes a trailer hitch insert with a locking slide plate and wheel locking mechanism, which automatically locks the trailer tongue in alignment with the hitch insert and unlocks the caster wheels when the vehicle is in reverse gear, preventing jackknifing by ensuring the trailer stays aligned with the tow vehicle and allowing caster wheels to rotate freely for forward movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a three-point hitch arrangement is used to control caster swiveling, then jackknifing is prevented, but the device complexity increases and free swiveling is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from a complex mechanical hitch system and implements it through a simple solenoid-actuated locking pin mechanism. The locking pin engages with a slot in the tongue to prevent rotation only when needed during backing, while allowing free movement during forward towing. This extracts the essential anti-jackknife function from a complex three-point hitch arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems (such as cable linkages and multi-point hitches) with an electromechanical solenoid actuator. The solenoid electronically controls the locking pin position, substituting manual mechanical control with automated electrical control that simplifies the overall system while maintaining reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid hitch arrangement is used to prevent jackknifing, then stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to compensate for road irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking system that changes its state based on the operating condition. During forward motion, the locking pin is retracted allowing the tongue to pivot freely and absorb road irregularities. During backing, the locking pin engages to provide stability and prevent jackknifing. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the rotational parameter of the tongue-hitch connection based on direction of travel. When moving forward, the connection allows free rotation (high mobility parameter). When backing up, the connection becomes locked (low mobility parameter, high stability). This parameter change based on operational state resolves the contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If caster wheels are allowed to swivel freely, then ease of operation is improved, but jackknife prevention capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary locking action before the jackknife condition can develop. When the vehicle is in reverse gear, the solenoid automatically engages the locking pin on the tongue and the caster locking mechanism activates, preventing caster swivel before any unstable motion can occur. This preliminary action ensures reliability while maintaining ease of operation during forward motion when locking is not engaged.
Data Source
AI summary
The anti jackknife system has locking mechanisms which automatically lock caster type wheels at the rear of a trailer in a fixed position in the direction parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the trailer and to the line of direction of travel of the tow vehicle pulling the trailer forward. In this forward configuration the tongue of the trailer freely rotates on a trailer hitch insert. In a back up configuration a locking mechanism automatically locks the trailer tongue into linear alignment with the trailer hitch insert. The caster type wheels rotate freely about a vertical axis, and when the trailer is backed up by the tow vehicle the trailer will stay in linear alignment with the tow vehicle. The caster type wheels will automatically turn in a direction corresponding to the front wheels of the tow vehicle, thereby completely preventing jackknifing of the trailer.