Dual Trailer Hitch with Adjustable Mounting for Versatile Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer hitch systems lack versatility, requiring users to switch between different types of hitches for towing over various terrain conditions, which is impractical and not easily achievable with existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A dual trailer hitch system with a rigid hitch body featuring interchangeable ball and lunette eye connectors, adjustable height, and longitudinal position, allowing for quick conversion between hitch types and orientations to suit different towing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single type of hitch is used on the trailer, then the hitch structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the trailer cannot adapt to different terrain conditions and requires hitch replacement when switching between smooth and uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single trailer hitch structure that can perform multiple functions - accommodating both ball hitches and lunette eye hitches. The hitch structure includes a body with a ball hitch receiver and a lunette eye hitch receiver, allowing the trailer to adapt to different terrain conditions without requiring hitch replacement. This multi-functional design directly resolves the contradiction by enabling one hitch structure to serve multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hitch system into separate, independently selectable components - a ball hitch receiver and a lunette eye hitch receiver - that can be independently accessed and used. The hitch body contains distinct receiving structures for each hitch type, allowing the user to select the appropriate hitch type for the current terrain conditions without affecting the other hitch type's functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different hitch types are used for different terrain conditions, then the trailer can adapt to various towing scenarios, but the hitch must be removed and replaced which is time-consuming and often not practical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates hitch replacement time by incorporating both ball hitch and lunette eye hitch receivers into a single universal hitch structure. The trailer hitch body includes both types of receivers simultaneously, allowing instant switching between hitch types by simply selecting which receiver to use, rather than physically removing and replacing the entire hitch assembly. This resolves the time loss issue while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If a ball hitch is used for smooth surfaces, then the towing is stable on even terrain, but the hitch is not suitable for uneven bumpy ground and construction sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by designing the hitch body to include both a ball hitch receiver (optimized for stable towing on even terrain) and a lunette eye hitch receiver (optimized for uneven terrain and construction sites). The universal hitch structure maintains the reliability benefits of ball hitches on smooth surfaces while adding the adaptability to use lunette eye hitches on uneven terrain, eliminating the need to choose one hitch type over the other.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a lunette eye hitch is used for uneven terrain, then the hitch allows greater movement and is durable for heavy-duty usage, but the hitch is not optimal for towing over paved roadway surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by providing both hitch types in a single universal structure. The lunette eye hitch receiver maintains its advantages for uneven terrain and heavy-duty usage with greater movement range, while the ball hitch receiver provides optimal stability for paved roadway surfaces. The universal hitch body allows the user to select the appropriate hitch type for each terrain condition, ensuring both adaptability and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer hitch includes multiple hitch connectors for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle in different ways. The trailer hitch includes multiple connectors at distal ends of the hitch body. The trailer hitch can be position such that either end is facing the towing vehicle. Mounting plates secure the trailer hitch to the trailer frame and may be adjustable vertically to raise or lower the height of the trailer hitch with respect to the trailer frame.