Vehicle Hitch Jacking Mechanism for Motorcycle Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for hauling motorcycles or similar vehicles behind a car or motorhome often fail to securely lift and stabilize the vehicle tire during towing, leading to potential damage from roadway imperfections.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hauling apparatus featuring a hitch bar, vertically mounted rails, a jacking mechanism (such as a leadscrew or winch), and pivot elements allows for the secure lifting and lowering of a wheel cradle to accommodate varying road conditions and vehicle sizes, using pintle and gudgeon hinges for flexibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed rigid structure is used to secure the vehicle tire, then stability is improved, but damage from roadway imperfections occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing a jacking mechanism with a leadscrew and follower nut that allows the second rail and wheel cradle to move vertically relative to the first rail. This dynamic structure enables the system to absorb road shocks and imperfections while maintaining stability during normal towing, resolving the contradiction between rigid stability and flexibility for damage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning through the jacking mechanism that can be pre-positioned to absorb potential impacts from roadway imperfections. The leadscrew mechanism allows for controlled movement that cushions against shocks before they can cause damage to the towed vehicle or towing vehicle, preventing harmful effects in advance.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed position wheel cradle is used, then securing the tire is simplified, but adaptability to varying road conditions and vehicle sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The jacking mechanism transforms the fixed wheel cradle into a dynamic system that can adjust its vertical position along the first rail. This allows the wheel cradle to adapt to different vehicle sizes and road conditions while maintaining ease of operation through the straightforward leadscrew lifting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a wheel cradle system that can accommodate multiple vehicle types and sizes through vertical adjustment. The same basic structure serves multiple functions by adjusting its position, making it versatile for different towing scenarios without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Device complexity
If a non-adjustable jacking mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to handle roadway imperfections is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The leadscrew-based jacking mechanism provides a relatively simple dynamic adjustment system that allows the second rail to move vertically in response to road conditions. This maintains acceptable device complexity while significantly improving reliability by enabling the system to handle roadway imperfections through controlled movement.
4Strength
If the wheel cradle is permanently attached to the rail, then structural strength is improved, but ease of storage and transport is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the attachment system into separate elements - the first rail mounted to the hitch bar, and the second rail with wheel cradle that can be independently attached and detached. This allows the components to be separated for easy storage and transport while maintaining structural strength when assembled for use.
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 apparatus effectively raises the vehicle tire for hauling while allowing movement to absorb road imperfections, preventing damage to both the towing and hauled vehicles, and can be easily detached for storage.
Implementation Method 1
the jacking mechanism is a leadscrew having a head and a threaded shaft and a follower nut threaded onto the threaded shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle hauling apparatus for hauling a second vehicle with a first vehicle includes: a hitch bar for attaching the apparatus to a hitch receiver; a first rail mounted and arranged vertically to the hitch bar; a second rail mounted and arranged to slide vertically along the first rail; a jacking mechanism connecting the first rail to the second rail so as to lift and lower the second rail; a first element of a pivot attached to the second rail; a wheel cradle in which a tire of the second vehicle may be seated; and a second element of the pivot attached to the wheel cradle; whereby the tire of the second vehicle may be rolled along a ground surface into the wheel cradle while the wheel cradle rests on the ground surface and then be raised into a position for hauling by the jacking mechanism. A vehicle hitch jacking accessory, includes: a hitch bar for attaching the vehicle hitch jacking accessory to a hitch receiver of a vehicle; a first rail mounted and arranged vertically to the hitch bar; a second rail mounted and arranged to slide vertically along the first rail; a jacking mechanism connecting the first rail to the second rail so as to lift and lower the second rail; and a secondary hitch receiver attached to the second rail, whereby a second accessory having a hitch bar may be attached to the vehicle hitch jacking accessory.