Adjustable Hitch Insert Assembly for Vibration-Free Receiver Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch adapter assemblies fail to provide a secure fit between a standard two-inch male hitch insert and varying female hitch receivers, leading to undesirable vibration and oscillation during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hitch adapter assembly with a first and second tubular portion and a connecting bar assembly that allows for expansion of the overall diameter to exert a pressing force against the hitch receiver, securing the assembly tightly and minimizing vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard two-inch male hitch insert is used with varying size female hitch receivers, then compatibility across different receiver sizes is achieved, but a secure fit cannot be maintained leading to vibration and oscillation
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly incorporates movable tubular portions that can dynamically adjust their relative positions along the longitudinal axis. The first tubular portion can slide within the second tubular portion, allowing the overall length of the adapter to change. This dynamic adjustment enables the adapter to accommodate different receiver sizes while maintaining a secure, vibration-free connection through proper contact pressure distribution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the adapter assembly is made rigid and fixed in size, then structural stability is improved, but it cannot adapt to different hitch receiver sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is divided into multiple tubular portions (first tubular portion, second tubular portion) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each portion to contribute to both structural stability and adaptability - the individual portions maintain rigidity while their relative movement provides the necessary adjustment capability for different receiver sizes.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional fixed-size adapters are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but they cause vibration and oscillation during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The movable tubular portions act as intermediaries between the male hitch insert and the female receiver. These intermediate components can adjust their configuration to properly interface with different receiver sizes, ensuring stable contact and eliminating the vibration and oscillation problems that occur with fixed-size adapters. The intermediary structure absorbs dimensional variations while maintaining stable connection.
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 assembly ensures a secure connection by expanding to fit various hitch receiver sizes, effectively preventing vibration and oscillation of attached devices.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting bar assembly is adjustable to relatively move the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion from an aligned position to an offset position to expand the overall diameter of the adjustable insert assembly
Implementation Method 2
exert a pressing force against opposing interior surfaces of a hitch receiver of a vehicle to tightly secure the adjustable insert assembly therein
Implementation Method 3
tightly secure the adjustable insert assembly therein and minimize or prevent vibration during transport
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch adapter assembly includes an adjustable insert assembly and a hitch receiving assembly designed to receive a male hitch insert and that is mounted on the adjustable insert assembly. The adjustable insert assembly is insertable into a hitch receiver of a vehicle and includes a first tubular portion, a second tubular portion, and a connecting bar assembly positioned within and connecting the first tubular portion to the second tubular portion. The connecting bar assembly is adjustable to relatively move the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion from an aligned position to an offset position to expand the overall diameter of the adjustable insert assembly and exert a pressing force against opposing interior surfaces of a hitch receiver of a vehicle to tightly secure the adjustable insert assembly therein and minimize or prevent vibration during transport.