Illuminated Trailer Hitch Cover with Ground Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current illuminated trailer hitch cover assemblies are limited in their ability to display multiple indicia and do not utilize the ground surface below the hitch cover for expression, while also failing to protect the hitch receiver from corrosion and provide an aesthetically pleasing option for vehicle personalization.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated trailer hitch cover assembly with a housing and mounting shank that fits over a vehicle's hitch receiver, featuring a divider plate to create separate light chambers for projecting indicia onto the ground and a lens display assembly for visible indicia on the housing, powered by the vehicle's electrical system to illuminate both the housing and projected images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single image display system is used on the hitch cover, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to display multiple indicia simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple independent light sources (first light source and second light source) positioned at different locations within the housing. Each light source can display different indicia independently, allowing multiple messages to be displayed simultaneously without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the ground surface below the hitch cover as an additional display dimension. By projecting indicia onto the ground in addition to displaying indicia on the hitch cover itself, the system expands from a single-plane display to a multi-plane display, effectively doubling the indicia display capacity
2Reliability
If the hitch receiver is left exposed, then the device complexity is minimized, but the hitch receiver is exposed to corrosion from dirt, debris, and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch cover assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective cover for the hitch receiver, a display device for multiple indicia, and an aesthetic enhancement for the vehicle. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the protective cover function with the indicia display function into a single integrated assembly. The housing that protects the hitch receiver also contains the light sources and lens assemblies, combining two separate functions into one unified device
3Illumination intensity
If no illumination is provided, then the energy consumption is minimized, but the indicia are not visible during night or dark conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are activated periodically or conditionally based on ambient light levels or vehicle operation state, illuminating indicia only when needed during night or dark conditions rather than continuously, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining visibility when required
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 means for vehicle owners to personalize their vehicles with multiple visible indicia, both on the hitch cover and on the ground, while protecting the hitch receiver from corrosion and enhancing aesthetics, especially at night or in dark conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Both first and second light sources are configured to emit visible light upon activation of brake lights or upon illumination of taillights of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated trailer hitch cover assembly that is removably attached to a hitch receiver of a vehicle. The illuminated trailer hitch cover assembly is configured to display one or more illuminated indicia when the vehicle's taillights or brake lights are activated. At least one indicia is projected onto the ground surface below the illuminated trailer hitch cover assembly. The illuminated trailer hitch cover assembly is configured such that different indicia can be displayed through use of interchanging display indicia assemblies.