Hensley Arrow: How does it REALLY work?
There have been several discussions on this hitch that have become somewhat 'controversial'. I am NOT trying to stir this controversy/bashing back up. Instead, I'd like to see a good, intelligent di...
Forum Discussion
BurbMan wrote:
What Will and I are saying is that the drag and wind resistance created by the trailer act just like the rubber band in my example. Traveling at hiway speed, these forces amount to the equivalent of a very thick rubber band on the bottom of that pendulum, so any attempt to swing the pendulum is quickly dampened by the rubber band.
Actually, its a bit more than just the pendulum analogy with a rubber band pulling at the bottom. To accurately account for the way the Hensley is pivoting, you'd have to also say that the arm of the pendulum has mechanical linkages in it, that make it extend/contract to become shorter whenever the pendulum swings out, and at its max length when straight. This is why there is so much more force required to make a trailer induce any pivoting with a Hensley, than with a conventional hitch. The trailer literally has to move FORWARD (more so than the pendulum analogy suggests), against all wind resistance and friction, in order to pivot.
As Ron pointed out, really, any hitch will give you the same 'pendulum' effect, of resisting pivoting. The Hensley goes beyond that, though, in that as the pendulum 'swings', the arm is essentially shortened, making it much, much more difficult for the trailer to induce any pivoting.
Ron, I don't disagree with the math that you introduce to this discussion, but I think that your calcs become largely theoretical with regard to this topic (bullfrog with wings?)...
Yes, the math says that movement is allowed, but you are ignoring the fact that the HA relies on tension bewteen the TV and TT to resist any movement introduced into the 4-bar linkage by the TT.
I agree. It kind of reminds me of the story about the bumble bee. On paper, and according to scientists who analyze such, it shouldn't fly at all. Better not tell the bumblebee that, though. :B
Will
P.S.: Milton/Stressor, I understand your frustration, but please try to go easy on Ron. This has been a very civil, intelligent, respectful discussion so far, lets keep it that way. Everyone's input is valued and respected (even though ours is the only one that is right..Hahahahaha, J/K!!)
