Trailer Device Pivot Bearing Rest Position Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer devices have a ball neck receiving body that is visibly and intrusively stationary when the ball neck is not inserted, which is aesthetically and functionally undesirable.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pivot bearing unit and stop elements that allow the ball neck receiving body to move from a working position to a rest position, where it is hidden from view, and blocking pivot motions using support surfaces to maintain the working position when the ball neck is inserted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the ball neck receiving body is arranged in a stationary manner, then it is always visible and accessible, but it becomes intrusively visible and aesthetically undesirable when the ball neck is not inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The ball neck receiving body is made movable through a pivot bearing unit, allowing it to rotate between a retracted position (when ball neck is not inserted) and a protruding working position (when ball neck is inserted). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the receiving body invisible when not in use while ensuring it is accessible when needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If the ball neck receiving body is made movable to reduce visibility, then aesthetics improve, but the stability and reliability of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot bearing unit enables controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity. The receiving body can dynamically adjust its position without compromising the strength of the connection when in the working position.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element provides a simple, reliable mechanical constraint that ensures the ball neck receiving body remains firmly in place during operation. This simple component guarantees connection stability without adding complex mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If a pivot bearing unit is added to make the ball neck receiving body movable, then aesthetics and intrusiveness are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pivot bearing unit enables the ball neck receiving body to rotate between a retracted position (reducing visibility and intrusiveness) and a working position (ensuring accessibility). This single rotational degree of freedom provides the necessary dynamic functionality with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element automatically engages with the ball neck when inserted, self-regulating the position of the receiving body without requiring additional control mechanisms. This self-service feature reduces complexity by eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control systems.
4Reliability
If the first support surface is arranged at a spacing from the pivot bearing unit, then the blocking effect is enhanced, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element is pre-positioned at an optimized spacing from the pivot bearing unit to provide effective blocking of pivot motion. This preliminary positioning ensures reliable engagement with the ball neck while minimizing the space required, as the geometry is designed to achieve the blocking effect with minimal offset.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to improve a trailer device for motor vehicles, comprising a crossmember, which is mountable on a vehicle body at the rear-end side thereof, a holding unit, which is provided on the crossmember and which carries a ball neck receiving body comprising a ball neck receptacle, into which receiving body an insertion portion of a ball neck supporting a coupling ball is insertable and fixable therein, in such a way that the ball neck receiving body is both visible and intrusive to the least possible extent when the ball neck is not inserted, it is proposed that the holding unit comprises a pivot bearing unit, by means of which the ball neck receiving body is movable from a working position, in which the ball neck is insertable into said receiving body for trailer operation, into a rest position, and that at least one stop element fixedly connected to the holding unit is provided, which stop element has a first support surface, which, in the working position, abuts against the insertion portion with the insertion portion inserted into the ball neck receptacle and thus blocks a pivoting of the ball neck receiving body in at least one pivot direction.