Hitch Carrier Auto-Locking Mount to Eliminate Receiver Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch-mounted equipment carriers require manual operations like bolt tightening or screw rotation to eliminate play between the mounting bar and hitch receiver, and they lack the ability to transition smoothly between operative and tilt positions while remaining engaged.
Innovation Solution
A hitch-mounted equipment carrier with a mounting bar and locking member that uses an actuator arrangement with a biasing member to automatically lock into the hitch receiver, allowing for seamless transitions between operative, tilt, and inoperative positions without manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operations like bolt tightening or screw rotation are used to eliminate play between the mounting bar and hitch receiver, then the equipment carrier can be securely mounted, but the mounting process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment carrier system performs the locking action automatically through its own weight and the actuator arrangement. When the carrier is lowered onto the hitch receiver, the mounting bar engages with the receiver and the locking member automatically locks into place without requiring external manual operations like bolt tightening or screw rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to engage with the hitch receiver walls before the carrier is fully lowered. The actuator arrangement is pre-configured to translate the downward motion of mounting into automatic locking action, eliminating the need for subsequent manual tightening operations.
2Reliability
If manual operations are required to eliminate play between mounting bar and hitch receiver, then secure mounting is achieved, but the time required for mounting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own mounting motion to trigger the locking action. As the equipment carrier is lowered onto the hitch receiver, the actuator arrangement automatically converts this downward motion into lateral movement of the locking member, which then engages with the receiver walls to eliminate play and secure the mounting in a single continuous action.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is spring-loaded and dynamically responsive to the mounting motion. The spring provides the force necessary to push the locking member laterally into engagement with the hitch receiver walls as the carrier is lowered, enabling rapid automatic locking without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If the equipment carrier is rigidly fixed to the hitch receiver, then play is eliminated, but the ability to tilt or adjust the carrier is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into two independent functional segments: the locking mechanism that eliminates play between the mounting bar and hitch receiver, and the tilt mechanism that allows the equipment carrier to rotate relative to the mounting bar. This segmentation enables both secure mounting and tilt capability to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic articulated connection. The mounting bar remains firmly locked to the hitch receiver to eliminate play, while the equipment carrier is articulated to allow tilting motion. The locking member secures the mounting bar laterally while permitting vertical movement necessary for tilting the carrier.
4Ease of operation
If a simple mounting bar insertion is used, then ease of mounting is improved, but play between the mounting bar and hitch receiver cannot be eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator arrangement automatically performs the play-elimination function during the mounting process. As the mounting bar is inserted into the hitch receiver, the actuator arrangement automatically translates this insertion motion into lateral movement of the locking member, which then engages with the receiver walls to eliminate play without requiring separate manual tightening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to engage with the hitch receiver walls during the insertion process itself. The actuator arrangement is pre-configured to convert the insertion motion into locking action, ensuring play is eliminated automatically as part of the simple insertion operation rather than requiring subsequent manual adjustments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides quick and easy mounting to the hitch receiver, eliminates play, and allows for smooth movement between operative and tilt positions, enhancing user convenience and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator arrangement includes a biasing member interconnected with the locking member and responsive to movement of the equipment carrier mounting portion toward the first, operative position to apply a biasing force on the locking member tending to move the locking member transversely to the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting arrangement for hitch-mounted equipment carrier includes a mounting bar having a transversely movable locking member. An equipment carrier mounting portion is movably supported by the mounting bar for movement between an operative position and an inoperative position. An actuator moves the locking member to a locking position within the hitch receiver when the mounting portion is moved from the inoperative position toward the operative position. The actuator includes a biasing member that applies a biasing force on the locking member for engaging it with the hitch receiver. The equipment carrier mounting portion is movable from the operative position to a tilt position while the mounting bar is engaged within the passage of the hitch receiver by the locking member.