Trailer Tow Ball Pressure Sensor Torque Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements for measuring nose load on a tow ball are prone to damage from high rotational torques during vehicle-trailer coupling, leading to instability and potential separation issues.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor is protected from rotation torques by being placed in a cavity within the tow ball or trailer coupling, with a press element that cannot rotate, using a non-circular shape to lock in place and a magnetic or fastening mechanism to secure it, allowing it to measure axial pressure effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is placed at the interface between the tow ball and trailer coupling to measure nose load, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor is exposed to rotation torques that cause damage and reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the pressure sensor remains stationary in the tow ball, while a separate press element transfers the load to the sensor. This segmentation protects the sensor from rotational torques while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A press element acts as an intermediary between the trailer coupling and the pressure sensor. This intermediary transfers the axial load to the sensor while being designed to resist rotational torques, thereby protecting the sensor from damage.
2Ease of operation
If the press element is allowed to rotate freely in the cavity, then ease of operation is improved, but the press element cannot effectively protect the sensor from rotation torques
Solution Approach 1:
The press element and cavity are designed with asymmetric, non-circular cross-sections that prevent rotation. This asymmetry creates a mechanical lock that protects the sensor while still allowing straightforward installation in the axial direction.
3Reliability
If the press element is secured with a magnetic component, then reliability is improved by preventing loss during disengagement, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic component provides automatic retention of the press element without requiring additional mechanical fastening mechanisms. The magnetic force naturally holds the element in place during normal operation and allows for easy removal when needed.
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 protects the pressure sensor from rotational damage while accurately measuring nose load, enhancing vehicle-trailer stability and preventing component failure.
Implementation Method 1
the press element may include magnetic component, whereby the press element is maintained in the cavity by magnetic attraction between the press element and a material in the cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor arrangement for measuring trailer nose load. The disclosed subject matter generally relates to a sensor arrangement for measuring the pressure on a tow ball of a vehicle caused by a trailer coupling. The proposed sensor arrangement comprises a pressure sensor which is protected from rotation torques between the tow ball and the trailer coupling by a press element adapted to press in an axial direction on the pressure sensor but which cannot rotate with respect to the pressure sensor.