Adjustable Receiver Structure for Rear Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receiver structures mounted on the rear of vehicles, used for carrying equipment like trailer hitches, bicycle racks, and ski racks, often interfere with rear access due to their fixed position, limiting accessibility when parked.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable receiver structure with a tongue that fits into a standard vehicle receiver, featuring pivotally mounted arms and a locking mechanism, allowing the auxiliary receiver to swing out of the way for access and lock into place for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed receiver structure is mounted on the rear of the vehicle, then equipment can be securely attached, but rear access is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver structure transitions from a fixed position to a movable one, allowing it to swing between a retracted position (providing access) and an extended position (providing support). The arms are pivotally mounted to enable this dynamic repositioning, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and equipment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver structure is divided into multiple segments (tongue, fixed frame, inner arm, outer arm, auxiliary receiver) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to be reconfigured between access and support modes, addressing both contradictory requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the receiver structure is made adjustable to improve access, then rear vehicle accessibility is improved, but the complexity of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure uses simple pivotal connections rather than complex adjustment mechanisms. The arms swing on pivots and are retained by springs, providing adjustability through dynamic movement rather than complex mechanical systems, thus minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure uses spring retainers that automatically engage and disengage to hold the arms in position. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates the need for complex locking systems or manual adjustment devices, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining adjustability.
3Ease of operation
If the auxiliary receiver can swing away for access, then rear vehicle accessibility is improved, but the stability of equipment mounting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary receiver dynamically transitions between swung-out (access) and retracted (stable mounting) positions. When retracted, it provides stable equipment mounting; when swung out, it allows access. The pivotal mounting enables this dynamic stability adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver is segmented into movable arms that can be independently positioned. The inner and outer arms swing relative to each other, allowing the auxiliary receiver to be positioned for access while maintaining the ability to return to a stable, equipment-supporting configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The adjustable receiver structure has a tongue which is mountable into a standard receiver and can be clamped therein. The tongue carries a body and inner and outer arms successively pivoted on the body. The outer arm carries a lock bar and an auxiliary receiver. The lock bar is releasably attached to the body so that it is secured in place during locked condition. When unlocked, the lock bar and auxiliary receiver can swing to an out of the way position. Assembly positions can be selected to choose the assembled height.