Automatic Hitch Coupling With Motorized Pin Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch systems require manual alignment and securing of hitch accessories with hitch receivers, which can be time-consuming and challenging, especially when hands are occupied or when the individual is positioned remotely from the receiver.
Innovation Solution
An automatic hitch system featuring a tubular housing bar with a pin-lever and ramp-component, actuated by a motor, that automatically extends and locks the pin into the receiver-hole, assisted by a hole-finder plate and wedge mechanism for secure jamming, allowing remote operation through a controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment and securing of hitch accessories is used, then visual and tactile access is required, but the process becomes time-consuming and challenging when hands are occupied or positioned remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch accessory automatically performs the coupling function through its own mechanism. The attachment bar assembly includes a motor-driven pin-lever system that automatically extends, aligns with, and secures to the receiver tube without requiring manual intervention for alignment or pin insertion, making the system self-servicing during the critical coupling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated motor-driven mechanical system. The motor actuates the pin-lever to extend and retract automatically, substituting the need for manual pin insertion and securing operations, thereby reducing both time and the need for direct physical access
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If manual pin insertion and alignment is used, then visual access to pin hole is required, but this becomes difficult when positioned remotely from receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment bar assembly automatically performs alignment and pin insertion through its own motor-driven mechanism. The pin-lever system self-extends and self-aligns with the receiver tube's pin hole without requiring the operator to visually locate or manually align the components, making the system self-servicing during the alignment and insertion process
3Extent of automation
If automatic motor-driven pin extension is used, then remote operation is enabled, but device complexity increases with actuator and ramp-component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated attachment bar assembly. The motor, ramp-component, pin-lever, and spring are merged into one cohesive unit that performs alignment, pin extension, securing, and release functions, reducing overall system complexity despite the added automation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment bar assembly is designed as a universal coupling device that can secure to standard receiver tubes while providing automated operation. The single assembly performs multiple functions including motor-driven pin extension, spring-loaded securing, and manual release capability, making it a multi-functional device that justifies its complexity through versatility
4Reliability
If secure locking mechanism is used, then reliability of coupling is improved, but the mechanism requires more components like lock projection and wedge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking and securing functions into the integrated attachment bar assembly. The lock projection on the ramp-component and the wedge work together as a combined securing system within the single assembly, achieving reliable locking without requiring separate independent mechanisms, thereby managing complexity through functional integration
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
Enables efficient and secure automatic coupling of hitch accessories to hitch receivers, reducing manual effort and ensuring secure locking without requiring visual or tactile access, suitable for various hitch receiver designs and accommodating existing receivers without vehicle modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator comprises a motor configured to translate the ramp-component to move to lock projection against the pin-lever to lock the pin
Implementation Method 2
a gearset is driven by the actuator and a screw is driven by the gearset. The screw is engaged with the ramp-component for movement of the ramp-component by the actuator through the gearset and the screw
Implementation Method 3
The actuator is configured to translate the ramp-component to move, via the wedge-ramp, the wedge through the wedge opening to jam the hitch system
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch system for automatically coupling a hitch accessory that has an attachment bar assembly with a hitch receiver. The attachment bar assembly includes a housing bar that is tubular, with a pin-hole through the housing bar. A pin-lever is pivotably mounted in the housing bar and includes a pin configured to retract into the housing bar and to extend out of the pin-hole. A ramp-component is disposed in the housing bar and is engageable with the pin-lever. An actuator selectively moves the ramp-component to retract the pin into the housing bar and to extend the pin out of the housing bar, by selectively enabling pivoting of the pin-lever.