Adaptive Carrier Insert Bar Assembly for Varying Hitch Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch-rack load carrier systems face challenges in securely attaching to hitch receivers of varying sizes, leading to potential disconnection during transportation, which can cause damage and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive connector mechanism featuring a leveraged expander and self-locating securement pin, allowing the insert bar assembly to accommodate hitch receivers of different sizes by using an elongate hitch-attachment bar with a hitch-receiver insert portion and a flexible or rigid securement pin coupled via a hinge, enabling repetitive positioning and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size insert bar is used, then the attachment structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate hitch receivers of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The insert bar incorporates an expandable mechanism that transitions from a compact state for insertion to an expanded state for securing. The bar can dynamically adjust its dimensions to match different receiver sizes, transforming a static component into an adaptive one that resolves the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable insert bar uses a nested structure where internal components are housed within the bar's body. The expansion mechanism features nested segments that can be stored compactly during insertion and deployed when needed, allowing the bar to adapt to different receiver sizes while maintaining a simple external form factor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the insert bar is made expandable to fit different sizes, then adaptability improves, but the risk of disconnection during transportation increases
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the expandable bar and the receiver. This mediator component secures the bar in its expanded position, preventing unintended disconnection during transportation while preserving the adaptability benefits of the expandable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary expansion and locking actions before transportation begins. The bar is expanded to the required size and securely locked in place prior to vehicle movement, ensuring that no disconnection risks exist during the actual transportation phase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex expander mechanism is added, then compatibility with varying hitch sizes is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the expansion mechanism and the insert bar into a single integrated component rather than separate parts. This consolidation reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the attachment assembly while maintaining the ability to accommodate different receiver sizes.
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 ensures a secure and stable attachment of the load carrier to hitch receivers of varying sizes, preventing disconnection and enhancing safety during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member which stores energy to move the securement pin between a pin-engaged configuration and a pin-disengaged configuration
Implementation Method 2
An insert bar assembly can comprise a leveraged expander which enables the assembly to attach a load carrier to hitch receivers of varying sizes
Data Source
AI summary
An insert bar assembly can comprise an elongate hitch-attachment bar which in turn comprises a hitch-receiver insert portion located at an insertable end of the bar. An insert bar assembly can include an expander which accommodates attachment of the assembly to a hitch which is larger than the insert portion of the bar.