Ball Mount Head Tilt Adjustment via Discrete Peg Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight distributing hitches lack easy characterization and repeatability of angular positions between the ball mount head and shank, and are difficult to assemble and disassemble, requiring operators to hold multiple components in place simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable connection between the ball mount head and shank with tilt selectors that allow selection and adjustment of angular positions by choosing specific connection points, enabling easy identification and reproduction of defined tilt angles, and facilitating easier assembly and disassembly with the use of rotatable bolts and tilt pegs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art configurations use arcuate slots and mounting bolts for tilt adjustment, then angular position adjustment is enabled, but the angular position is not easily characterized or repeatable and assembly is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete, predefined angular positions (e.g., 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°) marked on the ball mount head. Instead of continuous adjustment via arcuate slots, the system divides the adjustment range into distinct segments with clear visual indicators, making each position easily identifiable and repeatable while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes specific angular positions with corresponding markings and indicator alignments before assembly. The operator is guided to align indicators with predefined positions, eliminating the need to measure or calculate angles during assembly. This preliminary configuration of reference positions simplifies the assembly process and ensures repeatable results.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators use two mounting bolts with arcuate slots for tilt adjustment, then angular adjustment is possible, but assembly and disassembly require simultaneously holding multiple components in position
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism uses discrete angular position segments with visual indicators. The operator simply aligns the indicator with the desired position marking rather than manually positioning components, significantly reducing the time and skill required for assembly and disassembly while preserving full adjustability across multiple angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-aligning through visual indicators and markings. The ball mount head includes degree markings and indicators that automatically guide the operator to the correct position without requiring external measurement tools or complex coordination. The structure itself provides the alignment references, making the process self-service and eliminating the need to simultaneously hold multiple components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art structures permit changing angular relationship through arcuate slots, then adjustability is achieved, but detailed separate measurements are required to identify selected positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses visual indicators with distinct markings (such as colored dots, lines, or numbered indicators) that change position according to the angular setting. Each angular position has a corresponding visual marker that is easily detectable without measurement, allowing operators to immediately identify the selected position. The degree markings provide a visual scale that makes angle detection intuitive rather than requiring separate measurement procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball mount head has a pivotable connection to a shank portion of a weight distribution hitch. A tilt selector receives a bolt through a hole and is connected to one of the shank portion and the ball mount head with two pegs extending into two of at least three connection points on the ball mount head. An operator selects which two out of the connection points to use, which determines and sets the location of the tilt selector bolt hole relative to the ball mount head, which in turn determines and sets the angular position of the ball mount head relative to the shank portion when the bolt is tightened.