Foldable Ball Hitch Indexing for Stowed and Deployed Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball hitches lack a convenient mechanism for transitioning between deployed and stowed configurations without requiring removal from the vehicle, and they do not offer sufficient flexibility in positioning and storage options for hitch plates and indexing pins.
Innovation Solution
A folding trailer hitch design featuring a shank with a bracket having indexing holes and channels, allowing the hitch plate to pivot between deployed and stowed positions using indexing pins, with adjustable hole configurations for various positioning options and storage of spare parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed ball hitch is used, then the hitch is structurally simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot transition between deployed and stowed configurations without removal from the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch plate is designed to pivot between deployed and stowed configurations through a folding mechanism. The bracket includes indexing holes and channels that allow the hitch plate to rotate and lock at different positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt between two distinct states.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch assembly is divided into separable components: the bracket with indexing holes, the hitch plate with indexing channels, and indexing pins. These segments can move independently relative to each other, enabling the folding action while maintaining structural integrity through the indexing mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If indexing pins are used to raise and lower hitches, then positioning is controlled, but there is insufficient flexibility in positioning and storage options for hitch plates and indexing pins
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing holes and channels serve multiple functions: they guide the indexing pins during movement, provide locking positions for the hitch plate, and enable both deployed and stowed configurations. The same structural features support both positioning and storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing mechanism operates in multiple dimensions: the indexing pins move vertically through the indexing channels to control hitch plate elevation, while the indexing holes provide lateral positioning options. This multi-dimensional indexing provides comprehensive positioning flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If the hitch plate is made foldable with indexing channels, then ease of operation for transitioning configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing pins automatically engage with the indexing holes and channels when the hitch plate is moved to desired positions. The mechanism is self-locking, requiring no additional actuators or complex control systems. The user simply moves the hitch plate and the indexing mechanism automatically secures it in place.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding trailer hitch is provided. The hitch includes a pair of bracket sidewalls each having two parallel columns of indexing holes. A hitch plate is included having a ball mount portion and an indexing portion. The indexing portion includes an upper indexing channel extending from an upper opening in a first side of the indexing portion to an upper opening in a second side of the indexing portion. The indexing portion also includes a lower indexing channel parallel to the first indexing channel and extending from a lower opening in a first side of the indexing portion to a lower opening in a second side of the indexing portion.