Hitch Carrier with Integrated Wheels for Levered Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hitch carriers are heavy, difficult to handle and install due to their weight, require lifting the entire carrier for alignment, and pose storage and display challenges, with existing solutions not adequately addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
A hitch carrier design with integrated wheels that allows for partial insertion of the hitch bar using a levering action, enabling the carrier to stand upright and be pushed for installation, reducing lifting effort and incorporating wheels that can be stowed or remain attached for support and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the carrier is made with heavy steel structural components, then the strength and durability are improved, but the weight increases making it difficult to handle and install
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is divided into separate modules: a hitch bar portion and a load carrying component portion. This segmentation allows each module to be lighter and easier to handle individually, while still providing the necessary structural strength when assembled together on the vehicle hitch.
Solution Approach 2:
A lifting mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the user and the heavy carrier. This mechanism provides mechanical advantage to reduce the lifting force required, enabling users to install the carrier without straining against its full weight while maintaining structural integrity.
2Device complexity
If the front mounted hitch bar offsets the lifting point center of gravity, then the structural design is simplified, but lifting becomes awkward and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier incorporates a movable lifting mechanism that can dynamically adjust its position and mechanical advantage ratio. This allows the system to adapt to different loading conditions and hitch positions, making lifting easier without requiring a completely redesigned static structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses a simplified modular structure where the hitch bar and load carrying component can be independently manufactured and assembled. This copying approach allows for optimization of each module's weight distribution separately, improving overall lifting characteristics while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the carrier is designed as a complete unit, then structural integrity is maintained, but it requires lifting the entire carrier for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is segmented into separate hitch bar and load carrying component modules that can be handled independently. Each module maintains its structural integrity separately, but can be assembled together on the vehicle, eliminating the need to lift the complete heavy carrier as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier modules are pre-assembled and prepared before installation. The hitch bar portion can be positioned on the vehicle hitch first, then the load carrying component is attached, allowing installation without lifting the entire assembled carrier.
4Area of stationary object
If the carrier is removed for non-use, then storage space is freed, but additional storage equipment and handling are required
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier incorporates integrated wheels that enable dynamic movement and easy repositioning. When removed from the vehicle, the carrier can be easily rolled to storage locations without requiring lifting or special storage equipment, maintaining ease of operation while freeing up space.
5Adaptability or versatility
If separate immobile display stands are used, then point of purchase display is achieved, but mobility and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display function is merged with the carrier itself. The carrier's modular design and integrated wheels allow it to serve both as a functional cargo carrier and as a mobile display unit, eliminating the need for separate immobile display stands and reducing overall system complexity.
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 design significantly reduces the effort required for installation and handling by allowing the carrier to be pushed like a dolly, stands upright for storage and display, and facilitates easier mobility without the need for separate display stands.
Implementation Method 1
The rack or carrier is attached to a trailer hitch of a vehicle by applying a levering action to the rack or carrier so as to cause rotation about a common axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
A lifting action is then applied to the rack or carrier with the bar partially inserted into the receiver, the receiver acting as a fulcrum
Implementation Method 3
multiple wheels aligned with respect to a common axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch carrier is provided that for mounting does not require the user to lift the full weight of the carrier at once, that is free standing in an upright position when unattended, and that may be drag braked from rolling movement to being parked upright.