Clam-Shell Hitch Ball Assembly for Tongue Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing trailer hitch systems fail to accurately measure tongue weight, leading to potential trailer sway or overloading of the tow vehicle's rear tires, which can compromise steering and braking.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch system that includes a ball mount with a load measurement device and a removable hitch ball, allowing for precise measurement of tongue weight by determining the downward force on the hitch ball and displaying it on a gauge or digital display, with the option to wirelessly transmit this data for the driver's reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional trailer hitch systems are used without load measurement devices, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of tongue weight is insufficient leading to safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hitch ball, load measurement device, and display system into an integrated ball assembly. The load measurement device is mounted on the ball post, and the display is positioned to be visible to the driver, merging multiple functions (towing, measuring, displaying) into a single integrated unit that reduces overall system complexity while enabling precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the hitch ball for towing attachment, incorporates a load measurement device to measure tongue weight, includes a display system to show measurements to the driver, and can wirelessly transmit data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement and display systems, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Reliability
If tongue weight is not accurately measured, then the system is simpler to operate, but the reliability of towing safety is compromised due to trailer sway or tire overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a display system that provides real-time feedback to the driver about the tongue weight measurement. The display is positioned to be visible while driving and shows whether the tongue weight is within the acceptable range (9-15% of gross trailer weight). This feedback mechanism enables the driver to make immediate adjustments to ensure safe towing conditions, thereby improving reliability without complicating operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed hitch ball is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different trailer tongue sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the hitch ball removable and replaceable, transforming it from a fixed component to a dynamic one. The ball post is designed to accept different sized hitch balls, and the quick-release mechanism allows the driver to change balls as needed. This dynamic design enables adaptability to different trailer tongue sizes while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through the use of standard mounting interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch ball assembly for a trailer hitch. The hitch ball assembly includes a clam-shaped body having a plurality of hinged segments operable between an open position and a closed position. Each of the plurality of hinged segments includes a concave inner surface that collectively form a ball shaped-cavity configured to enclose a smaller-diameter hitch ball. Each of the hinged segments further includes an outer surface that collectively form a larger-diameter hitch ball configured to engage a trailer tongue when the hinged segments are operated to the closed position.