Adjustable Hitch Receiver With Integrated Tongue Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch systems face challenges in ensuring safe towing conditions due to uncertainties in tongue weight, which can lead to trailer sway or overloading of the tow vehicle's rear tires.
Innovation Solution
The development of a height adjustable and load measuring hitch receiver system, which includes a mounting portion, a linkage mechanism for vertical adjustment, and a load measurement device to accurately measure the downward force on the hitch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tongue weight is not measured accurately, then towing safety cannot be ensured, but traditional weighing methods are time-consuming and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch receiver system performs self-measurement of tongue weight through integrated load measurement devices that automatically detect and report the weight without requiring external weighing equipment or procedures, making the system serve its own measurement needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical weighing methods with electronic load measurement devices that use electrical sensors and circuits to detect weight, eliminating the need for physical scales and manual measurement procedures
2Stability of the object's composition
If tongue weight is too low, then trailer sway occurs, but if tongue weight is too high, then rear tires are overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback on tongue weight measurements through display devices, allowing users to adjust trailer loading or hitch position to achieve the optimal weight range for safe towing, creating a closed-loop control system
Solution Approach 2:
The load measurement device is pre-installed and configured in the hitch receiver system, ready to measure tongue weight before towing begins, allowing proactive adjustment of loading conditions to prevent unsafe situations
3Strength
If trailer is not level, then strain on hitch connection increases, but leveling the trailer requires additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch receiver system performs multiple functions including mechanical connection, load measurement, height adjustment, and leveling indication, consolidating what would otherwise require separate devices into a single integrated system
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
This system allows for precise adjustment of the hitch receiver's height to match the trailer tongue, while also providing real-time measurement of the tongue weight, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of trailer sway or tire overload.
Implementation Method 1
a load measurement device disposed between the support portion and the receiver portion to measure a force in a direction of the translational movement
Data Source
AI summary
A height adjustable hitch receiver is disclosed and described.