Trailer Hitch Positioning Drive Assembly for Automated Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of traditional trailer couplings is complicated due to the need for manual adjustment of the coupling height before coupling, making it difficult to easily connect a trailer to a motor vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch with a bearing arrangement that allows the coupling arm to be automatically positioned using a motor-driven positioning system, enabling it to adjust around multiple axes and axes of displacement, assisted by a locking device and sensor arrangement for secure and efficient coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of coupling height is used, then the coupling can be adapted to different trailers, but the handling becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated positioning drive assembly that uses electric motors to position the coupling arm. The control unit receives signals from sensors detecting the coupling receptacle position and automatically controls the positioning drive to move the coupling element into the receptacle, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining adaptability to different trailers
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system performs self-positioning through the sensor and control unit that automatically detect the coupling receptacle location and control the positioning drive assembly to align and insert the coupling element without human operation, making the system service itself
2Ease of operation
If the coupling arm is positioned in use position, then coupling can be performed, but ground clearance is reduced and the vehicle is obstructed when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arm is designed to be dynamically positionable between use position and non-use position through the positioning drive assembly. When not in use, the arm can be automatically repositioned to a non-obstructive location, and when coupling is needed, it moves to the use position, providing dynamic adaptability to different operational states
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arm is divided into multiple sections with coupling arm bearings allowing relative movement between sections. This segmentation enables the arm to fold or retract into a compact non-use position that does not obstruct the vehicle, while still maintaining the capability to extend to the use position for coupling operations
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3a~5b
Figure 6
AI summary
The trailer coupling (10) has a holder (11) to which a clutch arm (18) having a coupling element (19) for engagement with a coupling receptacle (82) of a clutch (81) is movably mounted by a bearing arrangement (14). The bearing arrangement is configured for displacement of the clutch arm in use position (G) at specific swivel degree of freedom and linear adjustable degree of freedom to a position of the coupling element. A positioning arrangement (21) is provided for positioning the coupling element in the coupling receptacle for driving the clutch arm.