Vehicle Coupling Assembly Offset Socket Boundary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies for vehicles, such as tow hitches, often result in deceptive locking situations where incomplete coupling is not clearly indicated, leading to potential detachment during driving.
Innovation Solution
The coupling assembly features an offset boundary at the lower side of the socket, allowing for downward freedom of movement and increased instability, enabling the coupling member to drop out if incorrectly inserted, and providing tactile feedback during correct insertion through designed abutment surfaces and curves, ensuring clear perception of a successful coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bottom wall of the holder supports the insertion member during insertion, then the transverse pin falls exactly in openings to ensure coupling, but this support creates a deceptive impression that the tow hitch is secured even when coupling is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies tactile feedback through surface geometry changes rather than color. The first boundary creates a stepped surface profile that provides distinct tactile positions: when the insertion end is correctly inserted, the first coupling member rests on the first boundary at a different height than when incorrectly inserted, allowing the user to feel the correct coupling status through hand movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by creating a tactile signal through the offset first boundary. When the insertion end is correctly positioned, the first coupling member can be moved by hand and will rest at a specific height on the first boundary, providing clear tactile feedback that confirms correct coupling. Incorrect insertion results in a different tactile position, preventing false confirmation.
2Ease of operation
If the tow hitch remains in the holder without proper locking activation, then the user erroneously concludes the tow hitch is secured, but this deceptive locking may lead to inadvertent detachment during driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the first boundary to preemptively prevent false confirmation of coupling. The offset first boundary creates a tactile configuration that actively distinguishes correct from incorrect insertion before the user completes the coupling operation, preventing the deceptive locking scenario from occurring in the first place.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service through automatic tactile feedback. The geometric configuration of the first boundary automatically provides tactile differentiation between correct and incorrect insertion states, eliminating the need for additional indicators or complex verification mechanisms. The structure itself communicates the coupling status through its form.
3Ease of operation
If the first coupling member is held in the user's hand during insertion, then the user can feel whether it is correctly installed, but the coupling mechanism must allow sufficient freedom of movement while maintaining stability when correctly coupled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different stability characteristics at different locations and states. The first boundary provides a stable resting position when the insertion end is correctly coupled, while allowing freedom of movement during the insertion process. The localized geometric feature creates stability only in the correct final position, not throughout the entire insertion sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the first coupling member to transition from a mobile state during insertion to a stable state when correctly coupled. The offset first boundary creates a dynamic system where the coupling member can move freely during insertion but achieves a stable, detectable position when properly inserted, providing tactile feedback without compromising operational flexibility.
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 stability of correct coupling and provides a clear, perceivable signal for incomplete coupling, preventing accidental detachment by allowing the coupling member to tilt and drop out if incorrectly secured, thus ensuring user awareness of proper installation.
Implementation Method 1
The first coupling member can as a result drop out of the socket of its own accord, for instance under its own weight, when the insertion end has been incorrectly inserted into the socket
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Coupling assembly (1) for a vehicle, comprising a first coupling member (2) provided with a connection part for/towards a trailer or an accessory, and a second coupling member (3) attachable to the vehicle with which second coupling member the first coupling member can be detachably coupled in a coupling position for connection to the vehicle, wherein the first coupling member comprises a rod-shaped insertion end (7) having a first centre line (Sl), and the second coupling member comprises a socket having an access opening (50) for accommodation of the insertion end, wherein in the mounted condition of the second coupling member to the vehicle a first boundary (61) of the access opening situated at a lower side of the socket with respect to a second boundary (62) of the access opening situated at an upper side of the socket is situated offset towards the vehicle in the direction of the first centre line in the coupling position.