The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 07, 2024
Filed:
Nov. 24, 2021
Ford Global Technologies, Llc, Dearborn, MI (US);
Christoph Kueppers, Kerpen, DE;
Ulrich Reske, Erftstadt, DE;
Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A trailer coupling assembly for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cross-beam extending in a transverse direction of the motor vehicle. The cross-beam is configured to connect to a trailer coupling. The assembly further includes a mount connected to a body of the motor vehicle and a connection assembly. The connection assembly includes a plate connecting the mount to the cross-beam. The plate is configured to absorb energy and deform in response to application of a threshold force. The design does not compromise trailer towing capability or package space and can be regarded as a hybrid approach between existing bumper beam and trailer tow designs.