Trailer Hitch Rotation Blocking Device Play Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Trailer hitch rotation blocking devices experience increased play due to material deformation under operating loads, leading to inefficiencies and potential failure over time.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch design that uses a rotation blocking device with form-fitting elements that are constantly braced against each other, employing an electric drive motor with a pulse sequence of individual current pulses to maintain gentle operation and prevent material deformation, along with a control system that detects torque and load conditions to optimize the bracing mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If form-locking elements have a small amount of play, then the rotation blocking device can be simpler in structure, but material deformation occurs under operating loads causing play to increase over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spacing between the form-locking elements adjustable. The actuator modifies the spacing between elements based on operating conditions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to prevent material deformation while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the spacing between form-locking elements according to the operating state of the trailer hitch. When high loads are detected, the spacing is reduced to prevent material deformation and play increase, while under normal conditions the spacing remains larger to maintain simplicity.
2Reliability
If the electric drive motor constantly applies twisting torque to brace form-fitting elements, then material deformation is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a pulse sequence of individual current pulses instead of continuous torque application. The actuator receives periodic pulses that are sufficient to maintain bracing of the form-fitting elements, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to constant torque application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action through the pulse sequence, ensuring that the form-fitting elements remain constantly braced against material deformation. The pulsed torque is applied at intervals that maintain the bracing effect without requiring continuous energy input.
3Device complexity
If current measurement and evaluation has response times, then the circuit can be simpler, but the electric drive motor must be energized for a relatively long time even when tensioning torque is reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic current pulses to both drive the motor and measure current. The pulsed operation allows the control system to evaluate current during the pulse and immediately terminate energization when the tensioning torque threshold is reached, eliminating the need for continuous energization and reducing time loss.
4Reliability
If the spacing between form-fitting elements is reduced to prevent material deformation, then reliability improves, but the device becomes more complex and requires more force to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the spacing between form-fitting elements adjustable rather than fixed. During normal operation, larger spacing maintains ease of operation. When high loads are detected, the spacing is dynamically reduced to prevent material deformation, optimizing both ease of operation and reliability under different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the spacing between form-fitting elements based on the operating state. The actuator modifies this parameter in response to load conditions, maintaining optimal spacing that balances ease of operation with prevention of material deformation.
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
The solution effectively reduces material deformation and maintains a play-free fixation of the pivot bearing body relative to the guide sleeve, enhancing the stability and longevity of the trailer hitch by avoiding increased play over time.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation blocking drive (100) with an electric drive motor (114), in order to move the actuating body (52)
Implementation Method 2
emploving an electric drive motor with a pulse sequence of individual current pulses to maintain gentle operation and prevent material deformation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The trailer coupling has a pivot bearing unit with which a pivot bearing body (14) is pivotable around a rotation axis between defined positions (A, R). A rotatable blocking drive is provided with a deforming controller, where the controller operates an electric drive motor of the blocking drive for play-free deformation of positive locking elements of a rotation blocking device in a deformation operating mode until achievement of deformation moments. The positive locking elements are provided to stand in a rotation blocking position.