Integrated Hitch Locking Mechanism for Quick Towing Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle towing devices using ball-type hitch assemblies are prone to losing additional pin shafts, making quick installation during emergencies difficult.
Innovation Solution
A towing device with a device body, towing assembly, and locking mechanism featuring a driving assembly, transmission assembly, and locking assembly, which includes mirror-symmetrical locking blocks that reciprocate within through holes to secure the device to a target vehicle, and adjustable sliders for universal fit, along with locking and height adjustment mechanisms to enhance stability and prevent theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional pin shafts are used to engage with mounting pin holes, then the towing device can be installed on the target vehicle, but the pin shafts are easily lost and cannot be used quickly during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism integrates the pin shaft retention function into the main body of the towing device. The locking blocks with locking portions engage with the mounting pin holes simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate loose pin shafts that could be lost. This merging of functions ensures both secure installation and prevention of component loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the towing device to the target vehicle without requiring separate manual insertion of pin shafts. The driving assembly actuates the transmission assembly to move the locking blocks into position, creating a self-contained installation system that prevents component loss through integrated design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a ball-type hitch assembly with rectangular tubular insertion structure is used, then the towing device can be assembled with the target vehicle, but the structure is complex and requires multiple aligned mounting pin holes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional modules: a driving assembly for actuation, a transmission assembly for motion conversion, and locking blocks for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing the overall complexity compared to traditional ball-type hitch assemblies requiring multiple aligned holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking blocks with mirror-symmetrical locking portions can engage with mounting pin holes in various configurations, providing universal compatibility with different target vehicle receivers. The mechanism maintains adaptability across different vehicle types while simplifying the assembly process through its multi-functional design that combines locking and positioning in a single integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A towing device includes a device body and a locking mechanism. The device body includes a trailing end and a mounting end. Each of opposite sides of the mounting end define a first through hole and a second through hole communicating with a tubular passage. The locking mechanism includes a driving assembly, a transmission assembly and a locking assembly connected in sequence. The transmission assembly and the locking assembly are respectively arranged in the tubular passage, and the locking assembly includes a first locking block and a second locking block which are mirror-symmetrical. The first locking block includes a first locking portion, and the second locking block includes a second locking portion.