Detachable Hitch Ashtray Assembly With Sliding Ember Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular ashtrays are not portable and do not safely enclose ash and embers, nor can they be easily integrated with a vehicle's ball hitch for convenient disposal and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A detachable vehicular ashtray with a receptacle having an open top and bottom, a cylindrical collar for receiving a ball hitch, and hingedly affixed brackets for secure attachment, along with a slideable lid and safety chain for easy emptying and hauling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ashtrays are integrated with vehicle interiors or garbage cans, then ease of use is improved, but portability and adaptability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ashtray is designed as a separate, detachable unit that can be independently attached to or removed from the vehicle's ball hitch receiver. This segmentation allows the ashtray to be portable and adaptable to different locations while maintaining ease of use when attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The ashtray incorporates a ball hitch receiver attachment mechanism that allows it to be universally mounted on vehicles with standard receivers. The open bottom design enables multiple functions including disposal of ash by removing the entire unit from the receiver.
2Ease of operation
If traditional ashtrays are used in indoor areas, then ease of use is improved, but safety is worsened due to lack of proper enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to be slidable along tracks rather than fixed, allowing dynamic opening and closing. This provides ease of access when needed while maintaining enclosure for safety when closed, preventing accidental contact with hot ash and embers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable design with ball hitch attachment is used, then portability and adaptability are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into separate components: a collar with slots and brackets that attach to the ball hitch receiver. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by using simple, discrete parts rather than a complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary component between the ashtray receptacle and the ball hitch receiver. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection while maintaining portability and adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If the receptacle has an open bottom for easy disposal, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened due to potential loss of ash
Solution Approach 1:
The lid transitions from a static cover to a dynamic sliding mechanism that can fully close the open top end of the receptacle. This provides secure enclosure during transport while allowing easy access for disposal by sliding the lid open.
Solution Approach 2:
The entire ashtray unit can be extracted from the ball hitch receiver for disposal, eliminating the need for a separate opening mechanism in the bottom. The open bottom design combined with removable attachment allows complete removal for easy emptying.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular ashtray detachably affixable to a receiver or ball of an automobile, the ashtray comprises a receptacle and a slidable lid. In various embodiments, the ashtray is detachable to a ball and comprises a collar circumscribing an open bottom end on a base of the receptacle adapted to receive a ball of a hitch.