Vehicle Hitch Coupler with Offset Guide Slot Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch couplers lack reliable locking mechanisms for the drawbar eye, leading to operational complexity and potential misalignment during towing.
Innovation Solution
A hitch coupler design featuring a vertically movable clevis pin with a guide slot and offset portion, combined with a biasing mechanism that automatically biases the pin towards the extended position and imparts torsional force, allowing for easy operation and secure locking in either extended or retracted positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a guide slot with offset portion is used to lock the pin in extended or retracted positions, then reliability of locking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide slot incorporates an offset portion that creates asymmetric engagement zones for the guide member. This asymmetric geometry provides distinct locked positions (extended and retracted) with different engagement characteristics, ensuring reliable positioning while maintaining a relatively simple slot structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary between the pin and the frame, translating vertical movement into locked positions through its interaction with the guide slot's offset portion. This mediator mechanism achieves reliable locking without requiring complex additional components.
2Ease of operation
If a biasing mechanism is added to automatically bias the pin towards extended position, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism is configured to automatically bias the pin towards the extended position without requiring external actuation. The mechanism serves itself by utilizing the natural biasing force to maintain the pin in the preferred extended position, improving ease of operation while adding minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism changes the force parameter acting on the pin, creating a continuous biasing force that pushes the pin towards the extended position. This parameter change (application of biasing force) simplifies operation by eliminating the need for manual positioning while the mechanism remains relatively simple in structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pin member is made vertically movable for engaging drawbar eye, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin member is designed to be vertically movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment to accommodate variations in drawbar eye positioning. This dynamic capability provides adaptability while the guide slot and guide member constrain the movement to maintain adequate alignment precision without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into movable pin member and stationary frame components, allowing the pin to independently adjust vertically for adaptability while the guide structures maintain alignment precision through their geometric constraints rather than relying solely on manufacturing precision of the pin itself.
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 a simple and reliable mechanism for locking the drawbar eye, reducing operational complexity and ensuring secure engagement, which enhances control over the towed vehicle and reduces wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing mechanism is adapted to bias the pin member towards the extended position, and is also adapted to impart a torsional force on the pin housing
Implementation Method 2
A spring member is provided within the pin housing, and is adapted to bias the pin towards the extended position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A hitch coupler, comprising a frame is disclosed, wherein the frame includes a plurality of vertically spaced apart plates having apertures disposed there through. A vertically extending clevis pin is adapted to slide within the apertures of the vertically spaced apart plates between an extended position and a retracted position. The pin further includes a pin housing having a guide slot, wherein the guide slot has an offset portion used to lock the pin in either the extended position or the retracted position. Further, the pin houses an internal spring having a torsional bias that urges the pin to a locked position in either the extended or retracted position.