Vehicle Coupling Device with Rotary Cam Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for vehicles lack efficient automatic primary locking, suffer from noise and vibration issues, and have difficulties with articulation and uncoupling under axial load, particularly in dirty conditions.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device featuring a pillar with a radially protruding locking flange, a coupling body with a rotary cap that pivots between locked and unlocked positions, and a locking mechanism using cam surfaces and ball bearings to facilitate automatic locking and easy disengagement, allowing for vertical and rotational articulation of the towed vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a ball and socket coupling is used, then good strength and low cost are achieved, but articulation angles in the vertical plane are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is designed to rotate dynamically about a horizontal axis relative to the pillar, enabling the coupling to adapt its articulation angle in the vertical plane while maintaining the simple ball-socket strength characteristics. This dynamic rotation capability allows the coupling to accommodate varying terrain and vehicle positions.
2Extent of automation
If a pintel ring and hook mechanism is used, then automatic primary locking is easy to provide, but uncoupling is very difficult under residual axial load
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the pillar with locking flange provides automatic locking, while the separate coupling body with rotary cap and cam mechanism provides controlled uncoupling. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, making both locking and uncoupling operations simple and reliable.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If pin-based mechanisms are used, then noise levels and costs are low, but alignment of holes and withdrawal of pin under load is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional pin-based mechanical alignment system is replaced with a cam-based mechanical advantage system. The cam surfaces convert rotational motion of the rotary cap into linear motion of the locking devices, eliminating the need for precise hole alignment and enabling easy withdrawal of the locking mechanism under load.
4Extent of automation
If pillar-based systems with cone shaped post and tongue and groove locking are used, then automatic primary locking is provided, but the mechanism does not react well to high levels of dust or mud
Solution Approach 1:
The locking flange with radially protruding locking devices acts as an intermediary between the pillar and coupling body, creating a simple radial engagement interface that is less susceptible to contamination. The cam-based unlocking mechanism provides a clear, defined path for the locking devices to move in and out of engagement, preventing dust and mud from interfering with the locking action.
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 provides reliable automatic locking without human intervention, reduces noise and vibration, and enables easy uncoupling under axial load, while maintaining strength and durability even in dirty conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cam surface in the lower surface of the rotary cap adapted for receiving therein a cam follower associated with the at least one locking device for movement of the cam follower within the at least one cam surface upon rotation of the rotary cap to move the at least one locking device between at least the locked position and the unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for coupling a first vehicle to a second towed vehicle includes a pillar for mounting to a towbar of the first vehicle, the pillar defining a primary longitudinal axis and including an upper portion, a lower portion adapted for engagement with the towbar of the first vehicle, and an intermediate portion including a radially protruding locking flange, a coupling body adapted for sleeved engagement with the upper portion of the pillar, the coupling body including at least one locking device for locking the coupling body to the locking flange of the pillar, and a rotary cap operatively associated with the at least one locking device and adapted for rotation relative to the coupling body. Rotation of the rotary cap causes the locking device to pivot between at least a locked position and an unlocked position.