Adjustable Hitch Coupler Locking for Fast Height Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable hitch assemblies lack quick adjustability and structural stability, often requiring cumbersome adjustments and lacking a secure coupling mechanism, which can lead to instability and angle issues when towing vehicles with varying heights.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hitch assembly featuring an elongated housing with a threaded shaft and a carriage member that allows for vertical adjustment, combined with a locking mechanism using multiple pins and a tubular lock device for secure attachment of towing accessories, enabling quick and secure alignment of hitch components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable hitch assemblies use traditional adjustment mechanisms, then vertical adjustability is achieved, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescoping screw mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the hitch member's position along the shaft. The screw can be rotated to extend or retract the hitch member vertically, providing quick and easy adjustment without cumbersome manual intervention. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the adjustment process both adaptable and operationally simple.
2Reliability
If adjustable hitch assemblies lack secure coupling mechanisms, then structural stability is compromised, but adding locking mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a locking mechanism that automatically engages with the shaft at predetermined positions when the telescoping screw is adjusted. The locking member self-activates through the rotation motion itself, without requiring separate manual locking actions. This self-service approach ensures structural stability through reliable locking while minimizing additional complexity, as the locking function is integrated into the existing adjustment mechanism.
3Strength
If hitch assemblies use bulky parts for adjustment, then structural integrity is maintained, but ease of movement and adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional bulky mechanical adjustment components with a refined telescoping screw mechanism. The screw design allows for compact, lightweight construction while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through optimized threading and material selection. This substitution enables easier movement and adjustment operations without sacrificing the necessary strength for towing applications.
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 a stable and secure coupling system that allows for easy adjustment and secure attachment of towing accessories, preventing tampering and ensuring vertical adjustability while maintaining structural integrity during towing operations.
Implementation Method 1
A threaded shaft extends within the interior of the housing. Rotation of the threaded shaft may imparts translation of the carriage member relative to the elongated housing.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an adjustable hitch assembly for coupling a towed vehicle to a load to be towed. The adjustable hitch assembly includes an elongated housing having an elongated interior. A threaded shaft extends within the interior of the housing. A carriage member includes a base, a coupling member and an attachment member, wherein the base is at least partially within the elongated housing and threadably received on said shaft for translation within the housing, the coupling member is attached to the base, the attachment member is selectively secured to the coupling member. A locking member may selectively attach or secure the coupling member to the attachment member. The locking member may be selectively lockable to prevent or allow said locking member from being removed from the coupling member and the attachment member.