Automatic Trailer Hitch With Multi-Axis Coupling Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitches require manual adjustment and labor-intensive coupling processes, which are inefficient and uncomfortable, especially in adverse weather conditions or challenging terrains, and lack flexibility for multiple towing applications.
Innovation Solution
An automatic trailer hitch system with a base module, vertical climbing module, linchpin modules, rotation module, and controller module, utilizing motors and sensors for automated adjustment and remote control, enabling easy coupling and stowing of the hitch across multiple axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment and coupling methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system. The controller module receives signals from the user and automatically actuates the vertical climbing module and rotation module to adjust the hitch position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual insertion of linchpins and physical manipulation of the hitch components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment based on user input. Once the user specifies the desired hitch position through the interface, the controller automatically coordinates the movement of multiple modules (vertical climbing, rotation, linchpin actuation) to achieve the configured position without requiring manual intervention for each adjustment step.
2Productivity
If automated adjustment systems are implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional modules
Solution Approach 1:
The controller module serves multiple functions: it receives user input, processes the desired hitch position, actuates the vertical climbing module, controls the rotation module, and manages the linchpin modules. This centralized control architecture consolidates multiple control functions into a single device, managing complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules: vertical climbing module for height adjustment, rotation module for angular positioning, linchpin modules for securing, and a controller module for coordination. This segmentation allows each module to be independently designed and controlled, making the overall complex system manageable through modular architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment positions are provided, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system transitions from static fixed positions to dynamic adjustable positions. The vertical climbing module enables continuous or discrete height adjustments along the vertical axis, while the rotation module provides angular adjustment capability. This dynamic positioning system allows the hitch to adapt to various towing configurations without requiring multiple separate hitch devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented is an automatic trailer hitch for enabling removable coupling between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. The automatic trailer hitch includes a base module, a vertical climbing module, linchpin modules configured for selectively driving the linchpins in an engaged position and a disengaged position, and a rotation module. The vertical climbing module is configured to vertically displace a hitch along a single axis. The plurality of linchpin modules is configured for selectively driving the linchpins in an engaged position and a disengaged position. A controller module is operatively coupled to each of the vertical climbing module, the linchpin modules, and the rotation module to monitor and control the multiple-axis position adjustment of the hitch(s) of the automatic trailer hitch.