Adjustable Hitch Assembly with Spring-Loaded Lock Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch designs require removal of parts to adjust height, are prone to losing loose components, and necessitate tools for changing hitch ball sizes, leading to inconvenience and potential theft.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hitch assembly with a heavy-duty ball mount system allowing vertical adjustment and storage without removing pins or using tools, featuring a base member, ball support member, and hitch ball member with integrated spring-loaded lock pins for secure attachment and easy rotation into storage position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pins are removed to adjust height, then height adjustment is possible, but parts can be lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The pin and lock mechanism are merged into a single integrated component. The lock body incorporates the pin as an integral part, eliminating separate loose pins that can be lost or stolen. When the lock is engaged, the pin automatically extends to secure the ball mount at the selected height position, providing both adjustment capability and security without removable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism performs multiple functions automatically: selecting a height position, extending the pin to secure that position, and locking everything in place requires only rotating the lock body. The system serves itself by automatically engaging the pin and locking mechanism without requiring the user to manually insert or secure separate pins.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tools are used to change hitch ball sizes, then ball size can be changed, but the process becomes complex and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch ball is designed as a dynamic, rotatable component rather than a fixed attachment. The ball can be easily rotated into different positions to present different sizes (e.g., 2-inch or 1-7/8-inch) without requiring tools for removal or installation. This dynamic design allows quick interchangeability by simply rotating the ball to the desired orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hitch ball assembly serves multiple functions by providing different ball sizes through rotation. One ball component fulfills the role of multiple specialized balls, allowing the user to access different ball sizes (2-inch, 1-7/8-inch) from a single universal attachment point without needing separate balls or tools for each size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple loose parts are used, then adjustment flexibility is achieved, but the risk of losing components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple previously separate components (pin, lock body, locking mechanism, and ball mount) are merged into a single integrated lock assembly. This consolidation maintains full adjustment flexibility through the rotatable lock body that selects different height positions, while reducing the total number of discrete parts from multiple loose components to one unified assembly that cannot be lost.
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
Enables easy height adjustment and storage of hitch balls without losing parts, enhancing security and usability by eliminating the need for tools and reducing the risk of theft.
Implementation Method 1
integrated spring-loaded lock pins for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an adjustable hitch assembly for coupling a towed vehicle with a towing vehicle. An embodiment of the adjustable hitch assembly may include a base member, a ball support member, and a hitch ball member. The base member may include a connecting portion and a shank member, wherein the shank member may extends perpendicularly away from the connecting portion. The ball support member may include a support rod extending perpendicularly away from the shank member. The ball support member may also include an opening there though that may be attached to the shank member. The hitch ball member may be attached to the support rod, wherein the hitch ball member may have at least one accessory aperture. The connecting portion may be attached to the towing vehicle and the hitch ball member may be attached to the towed vehicle.