Trailer Hitch Shock Attenuation via Pendulum and Air Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hitches fail to effectively attenuate both longitudinal surges and vertical shocks between a trailer and a towing vehicle, leading to discomfort, wear and tear, and damage to cargo, due to their high cost or limited effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A novel arrangement featuring a linear rocking member centered on the hitch, supported by air springs and pendulums, allowing for limited longitudinal displacement and vertical shock absorption, with additional damping from pendulum restriction using spring rubber or elastomeric material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elaborate systems with numerous springs and shock absorbing devices are used, then shock attenuation effectiveness is improved, but cost increases prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shock attenuation functions into a single integrated linear rocking member that simultaneously handles both longitudinal surges and vertical shocks through its pendulum-spring mechanism, eliminating the need for separate shock absorbers and springs for each direction
Solution Approach 2:
The linear rocking member serves multiple functions: it acts as a pendulum for longitudinal surge attenuation, provides vertical shock absorption through the air spring, and allows limited longitudinal displacement all within a single component structure
2Device complexity
If simpler systems are used, then cost is reduced, but they can only dampen either longitudinal surges or vertical shocks, not both
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pendulum mechanism for longitudinal surge damping with the air spring for vertical shock absorption into a single linear rocking member assembly, achieving both attenuation functions in one economical component rather than requiring separate systems
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 a cost-effective means to attenuate both longitudinal surges and vertical shocks, resulting in a smoother ride, reduced wear, and improved safety for occupants and cargo.
Implementation Method 1
the linear rocking member is suspended on one end from a short pendulum
Implementation Method 2
the pendulum provides for limited longitudinal displacement between the trailer and towing vehicle such that longitudinal surges in either direction can be attenuated
Implementation Method 3
supported on the other end by an air spring or other means for absorbing mechanical energy
Implementation Method 4
Vertical shocks are attenuated by the air spring
Implementation Method 5
further damping of longitudinal surges can be achieved by restricting the pendulum action with other shock absorbing means such as encasing the pendulum rod ends in spring rubber or elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described for attenuating intermittent forces at the interconnection between a towing vehicle and a trailer. The system includes a linear rocking member suspended between the towing vehicle and the trailer, a shock absorber between the linear rocking member and the vehicle, and a pendulum having a fulcrum connected to the vehicle and a swinging component rotationally connected to the linear rocking member, and a fastening device connecting the linear rocking member to the trailer to be towed.