Hitch Coupler Receiving Apparatus With Rotating Access Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle towing systems face difficulties in aligning large vehicles due to fixed hitch locations, requiring manual strength and dexterity, which can lead to injury and increased risk as the tongue weight increases.
Innovation Solution
A hitch coupler receiving apparatus with a base and elongated walls featuring access openings for secure fastener insertion and rotation, facilitating alignment and coupling of towing vehicles with adjustable and secure fastening mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed hitch locations are used for coupling, then the coupling structure is simple, but alignment difficulty increases requiring manual strength and dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the receiving hitch movable rather than fixed. The receiving hitch can translate along the longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle and rotate about a vertical axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation to match the tongue of the towed vehicle. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for manual alignment while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment mechanism between the fixed mounting points and the coupling interface. The receiving hitch acts as an intermediary component that can move and rotate to bridge the gap between fixed vehicle structures and the required coupling position, eliminating direct manual intervention.
2Reliability
If manual alignment is performed for coupling, then coupling can be achieved, but risk of injury increases with tongue weight
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving hitch performs self-alignment through its own mechanical capabilities. It can autonomously translate and rotate to achieve proper alignment with the tongue without requiring external manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the harmful factor of operator exposure to heavy forces while maintaining reliable coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment system with an automated mechanical system. The receiving hitch uses motorized or hydraulic actuators to achieve translation and rotation, substituting human physical effort with automated mechanical systems that can safely handle high tongue weights.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed hitch locations are used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different vehicle sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving hitch is designed as a universal component that can adapt to different vehicle sizes and configurations. It performs multiple functions: mounting to fixed points, translating to adjust position, and rotating to adjust orientation. This multi-functionality allows a single design to work across various vehicle types while maintaining simple manufacturing of the individual components.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch coupler receiving apparatus includes a base having opposite first and second surfaces, and a pair of spaced-apart first and second openings extending through the base from the first surface to the second surface. A pair of opposing, elongated first and second walls extend outwardly from the base first surface in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship. Each wall includes a plurality of spaced apertures formed therethrough. A hitch coupler is secured to the apparatus via a fastener that engages aligned apertures in the respective first and second walls. Each wall overlies a respective one of the first and second openings and includes an access opening. Each access opening is substantially larger than a respective opening in the base and facilitates insertion of a fastener into a respective opening in the base and rotation of the fastener via a tool.