Hitch Adapter Pivoting Rack for Rear Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle and cargo racks mounted on vehicles are cumbersome, obstructing rear access and difficult to install, remove, and store due to their size and weight, and often incompatible with various vehicle door configurations.
Innovation Solution
A hinged hitch adapter apparatus with pivotally connected elongate members that allows a hitch-mountable rack to be pivoted away from the vehicle, providing clear access to the rear without removal, and is compatible with multiple vehicle door types by controlling the range of motion and attachment positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rack is mounted directly to the hitch receiver, then the rack is securely attached and stable, but the rack obstructs access to the rear door or trunk
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch adapter apparatus employs two elongate members that can pivot relative to each other, transforming the static rack mounting into a dynamic system. This allows the rack to be positioned in different configurations - extended for secure attachment and retracted for access - resolving the contradiction between stability and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch adapter is divided into two separate elongate members that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows one member to remain stationary while the other pivots, enabling the rack to be positioned away from the vehicle for access while maintaining secure attachment points
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rack is extended rearward from the trailer hitch, then rear vehicle access is improved, but the rack is still incompatible with vehicles having vertically- or horizontally-opening rear doors
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal connection between the two elongate members creates a dynamic adjustment capability that allows the rack to adapt to different door opening directions and angles, making it compatible with various door configurations while maintaining access
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch adapter apparatus is designed to work with multiple types of vehicles and door configurations through its adjustable geometry, providing universal compatibility across different vehicle types while maintaining ease of access
3Ease of operation
If the rack is removed to access the rear of the vehicle, then access is achieved, but the rack is difficult to handle, transport, and store due to its size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complete removal, the dynamic pivotal mechanism allows the rack to be repositioned into an accessible configuration that clears the rear door path, eliminating the need for full removal while maintaining ease of access
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch adapter apparatus extracts the obstructing portion of the rack from the direct mounting position by pivoting it away, allowing access to the rear door while the rack remains attached and ready for immediate use
Data Source
AI summary
A hinged hitch adapter apparatus provides pivotal movement to an attached mount. The hinged hitch adapter apparatus may be configured with a receiver mount attachable to a hitch receiver, two elongate members connected at a pivotable joint, and a hitch adapter attached to one of the elongate members that may receive an attached mount. The hinged hitch adapter apparatus may allow mounts and racks connected to a standard hitch receiver tube to be pivoted away from a vehicle to which they are mounted and thereby grant easier and more convenient access to the rear of the vehicle while still providing wide compatibility with existing hitch-mounted devices, such as bicycle racks. The hitch adapter may also permit use of regular towing hitches.