U-Shaped Hitch Insert for Vehicle Rattle Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hitch covers often rattle due to the mismatch in size between the bolt and the hitch cover openings, leading to unpleasant noise during vehicle operation, with prior solutions failing to address this issue effectively.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped hitch insert with overlapping fastener openings is designed to slidably couple with the hitch receiver cover, providing a snug fit by accommodating different fastener locations and diameters, using dimples for a pressure fit and additional thickness for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard bolt is used to secure the hitch cover, then the installation is simple, but the hitch cover rattles and creates noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hitch insert as an intermediary component between the hitch cover and the hitch receiver. This insert includes a pressure fit portion that inserts into the hitch receiver and a bolt insert portion that receives the bolt. The intermediary structure creates a pressure fit connection that eliminates rattling while maintaining simple bolt-based installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch cover assembly is segmented into three separate components: the hitch cover, the hitch insert (which includes both pressure fit and bolt insert portions), and the bolt. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the pressure fit portion prevents rattling while the bolt insert portion provides secure attachment.
2Ease of operation
If the bolt diameter is smaller than the hitch cover opening, then the bolt can be inserted easily, but the connection is loose and causes rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt insert portion acts as an intermediary between the bolt and the hitch cover opening. It provides a precisely fitted connection point that maintains both ease of bolt insertion and stable connection, eliminating the loose fit problem caused by size mismatches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional parameters of the connection system by introducing the hitch insert with specifically designed opening sizes. The bolt insert portion has openings that precisely match bolt diameters, while the pressure fit portion is sized to create a friction fit within the hitch receiver, optimizing both insertion ease and connection stability.
3Shape
If the hitch cover is slightly smaller than the hitch receiver opening, then the cover fits aesthetically, but there is excessive movement and rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure fit portion of the hitch insert serves as an intermediary between the hitch cover and the hitch receiver. It provides the necessary friction fit to prevent excessive movement and rattling while allowing the hitch cover to maintain its aesthetic appearance and slight size reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle hitch insert, assembly, and system are disclosed. As part of the system, a hitch receiver is coupled to a vehicle. A hitch receiver cover is coupled to the hitch receiver and includes a lateral side that defines at least one receiver cover opening with a first diameter. Further, a hitch insert includes a substantially U-shaped main body that is slidably coupled to a lateral side of a hitch receiver cover. The main body includes a first wall defining a plurality of hitch insert openings that partially overlap with one another, with each hitch insert opening having a second diameter, a second wall connected to the first wall at a first joint, and a third wall connected to the second wall at a second joint. In use, a fastener extends through the at least one receiver cover opening and one of the plurality of hitch insert openings.