Trailer Hitch Pinion-Rack Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch systems face challenges in achieving precise axial displacement of the longitudinal control element, leading to complex and wear-prone mechanisms for actuating the locking arrangement, which compromises operational safety.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch design featuring a pinion portion on the actuating lever that meshes with a toothed portion on the longitudinal actuating member, combined with a positive guide such as a locking pin, ensures uniform pivoting actuation and visible locking status, along with a spring-activated locking mechanism and ball locking elements for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a lever with complicated contact contours is used to achieve uniform movement of the longitudinal control member, then the axial displacement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complicated mechanical contact contour system with a pinion-rack gear mechanism. The pinion on the control lever engages with the rack on the longitudinal control member, converting rotational lever movement into precise linear displacement through mechanical gearing principles, thereby achieving uniform axial displacement without complex contact surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the engagement interface by using standardized gear teeth profiles instead of custom contact contours. This allows for precise, repeatable motion transmission while simplifying manufacturing and reducing wear through proven gear design principles
2Manufacturing precision
If a lever with complicated contact contours is used to achieve uniform movement of the longitudinal control member, then the axial displacement precision is improved, but the wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wear-prone sliding contact surfaces with a pinion-rack gear mechanism where rolling contact predominates. The gear teeth engagement provides precise motion transmission while significantly reducing wear compared to sliding contact, thereby improving reliability and service life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a spring element that pre-loads the pinion-rack engagement, ensuring continuous contact between gear teeth. This cushioning spring compensates for manufacturing tolerances and maintains optimal engagement pressure, preventing impact loads and reducing wear while maintaining precision
3Reliability
If the locking status is not visibly indicated, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded indicators (red/green or similar contrasting colors) to show the locking status. The indicator changes color or position based on whether the coupling is locked or unlocked, providing immediate visual feedback to the operator without requiring complex electronic or mechanical indication systems
Solution Approach 2:
The locking status indicator is passively driven by the mechanical state of the coupling itself. The position or color of the indicator automatically reflects the locked/unlocked state through the mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for separate sensors, actuators, or power sources for the indication function
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 the reliability and safety of the locking mechanism by ensuring uniform actuation, visible locking status, and secure engagement of the coupling arm on the vehicle-side holder, reducing wear and improving operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
A pinion portion (36) is arranged at an end region (37) of the actuating lever (20) and meshes with a toothed portion (35) on the longitudinal actuating member (33)
Implementation Method 2
which is biased into the locking position by a spring arrangement (70)
Implementation Method 3
ball locking elements for secure engagement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The hitch has a coupling arm (12) that carries a head piece for detachable fastening of a trailer at its free ends. An interlocking arrangement (19) is provided for locking the coupling arm at a retainer. The arrangement comprises an operating lever (20) that is pivotably supported at the coupling arm for operating a longitudinal actuator (33). The operating lever is coupled with the longitudinal actuator by a sprocket transmission.