Hitch Cover Assembly with Adjustable Clips for Variable Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch cover assemblies do not effectively account for variability in opening sizes in pickup truck cargo beds, leading to poor fit and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A hitch cover assembly comprising a ring member, first and second clip members, and a cover member, where the ring member attaches to the cargo bed floor with axially extending walls and clips applying forces to secure the cover member over the hitch opening, allowing for adjustable fit in variously sized openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-size hitch cover is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the adaptability to different opening sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch cover assembly incorporates clips with resilient arms that can deflect and adjust to different opening sizes. The clips move between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the same cover assembly to adapt to various hitch opening dimensions while maintaining a secure fit, thereby eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size covers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a customizable hitch cover for each opening size is used, then the adaptability improves, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch cover assembly is designed as a universal fit system where a single cover member works with multiple hitch opening sizes through the adjustable clip mechanism. The clips serve multiple functions: securing the cover to the hitch opening, adjusting to different opening dimensions, and providing a tight fit across various sizes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a tight fit is achieved through complex adjustment mechanisms, then the fit quality improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clips feature resilient arms that automatically adjust to the hitch opening size upon installation, requiring no manual adjustment. The clips engage easily with the hitch opening and maintain a tight fit through their spring-loaded design, allowing for simple installation and removal operations while achieving high fit quality across different opening sizes.
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 assembly provides a versatile and cost-effective solution by securely covering hitch openings of different sizes, reducing movement and ensuring a tight fit, while allowing easy access to hitch elements.
Implementation Method 1
the distal end of the first clip being positioned within the hitch opening and contacting the inner peripheral edge of the cargo bed floor to apply a outward radially directed force to the inner peripheral edge
Implementation Method 2
the distal end of the second clip contacting the second side of the cargo bed floor to apply an axially directed force toward the first end of the axially extending wall
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch cover assembly includes a ring member, a first clip, a second clip and a cover member. The ring member defines a ring opening and has an axially extending wall with a first end and a second end. The first clip member has a body portion with a fixed end attached to the axially extending wall proximate to the second end, and a distal end spaced axially from the fixed end and spaced radially from the axially extending wall. The second clip member has a body portion with a fixed end attached to the axially extending wall proximate the second end, and a distal end spaced axially from the fixed end and oriented to face inward toward a center of the axially extending wall. The cover member is configured to selectively attach to the ring member to overlay the ring opening.