All-Terrain Vehicle Hitch with Multi-Joint Elevation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mechanisms for attaching vehicles to trailers lack optimal weight distribution, rotational freedom, and adaptability to uneven terrain, particularly for all-terrain vehicles.

Innovation Solution

An attachment mechanism featuring two revolute joints connected by a hinge joint, elevated above the conventional hitch location with a vertical member, and a goose neck or angled tongue, allowing for enhanced rotational freedom and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional hitch mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the rotational freedom and adaptability to uneven terrain are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to uneven terrainVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch mechanism is divided into multiple independent revolute joints (vertical joint at the vehicle, horizontal joint at the trailer, and hinge joint connecting them) rather than a single rigid connection. This segmentation allows each joint to independently accommodate terrain variations while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hitch mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic multi-joint system that can actively adapt its configuration. The revolute joints enable continuous rotation and adjustment, allowing the mechanism to dynamically respond to uneven terrain and maintain optimal positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Weight of moving object

If conventional hitch mechanisms are used, then the weight distribution is standard, but the optimal weight transfer to advantageous location is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight distributionVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch mechanism introduces vertical elevation of the attachment point above the conventional hitch location, adding a vertical dimension to the weight transfer path. This dimensional change enables optimal weight distribution by positioning the attachment point to leverage the vehicle's suspension geometry and achieve superior weight transfer characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the hitch attachment location is elevated, then the rotational freedom is enhanced, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational freedomVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism employs dynamic revolute joints that enable continuous rotation in multiple directions, providing enhanced rotational freedom while maintaining structural efficiency through controlled mobility rather than rigid complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotational freedom is achieved through segmentation into multiple specialized joints (vertical and horizontal revolute joints) rather than a single complex universal joint, distributing the rotational requirements across simpler, more manageable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10059159B2All-terrain vehicle hitch

Publication Date: 2018.08.28 LAW PARK WALTER

AI summary

An all-terrain vehicle hitch comprising two revolute joints connected by a hinge joint and means for attaching the hitch to both a vehicle and trailer. The hitch is elevated above the axels of both the vehicle and trailer and allows the trailer to rotate relative to the vehicle.