Adjustable Trailer Platform Movable Ball Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tow hitch systems face difficulties in removing the tow bar coupler from the trailer ball, especially under conditions of high tension, often requiring two people to manage the tension and alignment, particularly when towing vehicles behind motorhomes or other trailers.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable trailer platform with a movable ball mount that can be shifted between retracted and extended positions to provide slack and align the trailer ball with the coupler, allowing for easier installation and removal without needing to move the vehicle or coupler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the trailer coupler is under high tension during towing, then the towing stability is improved, but the difficulty of removing the coupler from the trailer ball increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball mount is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be extended to provide slack in the tow bar. This dynamic adjustment enables the operator to create clearance between the coupler and ball, making removal possible even when the system is under tension during normal towing operation.
2Device complexity
If the trailer ball position is fixed, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the ease of aligning the coupler with the ball under tension is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ball mount can be extended along the longitudinal axis of the platform, moving the ball position dynamically. This allows the operator to align the ball with the coupler by extending the mount, making connection easier without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple people.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a trailer platform having an adjustable ball position. The platform has a first end portion sized to removably mount within a trailer hitch receiver and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A movable ball mount having a ball hole sized to mount a trailer ball is on the movable ball mount and the movable ball mount is movably mounted on the second end portion of the platform so that the movable ball mount can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position on the platform to adjust a distance between the first end of the platform the ball hole, with the extended position providing a greater distance between the ball hole and the first end portion than the distance between the ball hole and the first end portion in the retracted position. Also provided is a method of using the movable ball mount to provide slack to disconnect a trailer coupler from the trailer ball. Also provided is a method of using the movable ball mount to locate the trailer ball under a trailer coupler to connect a trailer coupler to the trailer ball.