Adjustable Vehicle Hitch Cable Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bike rack and hitch accessories lack the ability to adjust the hitch bar to any position along the trailer hitch receiver while maintaining a secure lock, especially when the standard hole and slot alignment is not possible, leading to limited adjustability and security issues.
Innovation Solution
A cable lock system that allows for adjustable positioning of the hitch bar within the trailer hitch receiver, combined with an anti-wobble mechanism, providing a positive lock without relying on the standard hole and slot alignment, and can be used with or without a hitch pin for enhanced security and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard hole and slot alignment method is used to lock the hitch bar, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the adjustability is limited and cannot accommodate all receiver positions
Solution Approach 1:
A cable lock is introduced as an intermediary element between the hitch bar and receiver. The cable lock includes a cable with a first end that attaches to the receiver and a second end that attaches to the hitch bar, creating a flexible locking mechanism that can accommodate any position along the receiver while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a fixed hole-and-slot alignment system to a dynamic cable-based system. The cable can be adjusted to any length and positioned at any angle, allowing the hitch bar to be locked at any position along the receiver rather than being constrained to predetermined holes
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hitch bar is made adjustable to any position along the receiver, then the versatility increases, but the stability and security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cable lock serves as a secure intermediary that maintains reliability while enabling adjustability. The cable is tensioned and locked between the receiver and hitch bar, providing a positive lock that prevents the hitch bar from being removed or moved, even when positioned at any location along the receiver
Solution Approach 2:
The cable lock is configured to be installed and tensioned before final use, creating a pre-established secure connection. The cable is routed through guides and secured with tensioning mechanisms that ensure proper tightness and alignment before the hitch bar is subjected to load
3Ease of operation
If through holes are used for locking, then the locking mechanism is straightforward, but it requires precise alignment between the hitch bar hole and receiver hole which limits positioning options
Solution Approach 1:
The cable lock replaces the direct hole-to-hole alignment requirement with an intermediary cable system. The cable can be routed from any position on the receiver to any position on the hitch bar, eliminating the need for precise alignment between corresponding holes while maintaining a straightforward locking operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cable acts as a flexible element that can bend and adjust to connect the receiver and hitch bar at any angle or position. This flexibility allows the locking mechanism to work with any receiver configuration without requiring rigid alignment, unlike fixed hole patterns
Data Source
AI summary
A locking adjustable trailer hitch system includes a vehicle trailer hitch receiver having a receiver opening, an adjustable hitch bar that is slidably and removably received by the trailer hitch receiver, and a cable lock that is attached through the trailer hitch receiver and the hitch bar, and locked in place to secure and lock the hitch bar to the trailer hitch receiver. The hitch system further includes an anti-wobble device to secure and stabilize the hitch bar within the hitch receiver. The hitch bar can extend along the length of the hitch bar such that the distal end of the hitch bar can be positioned at an adjustable distance from the receiver. In certain embodiments, the hitch bar may include an extended slotted depression alongside one of its walls. In those embodiments, the hitch bar can extend along the length of the slotted depression such that the distal end of the hitch bar can be positioned an adjustable distance from the receiver.