Hitch Mount Assembly with Opposing Open Ends for Frame Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hitch mount assemblies are limited by their design, which restricts the ability to attach multiple accessories to trailers and vehicles without using an existing hitch receiver, and they often suffer from wobbling due to U-bolt fasteners and limited frame size compatibility, with only one open end supporting attachments.
Innovation Solution
A hitch mount assembly featuring a base mounting tube with opposing open ends and two mounting brackets that can be installed anywhere on a frame, allowing multiple attachment members to be coupled to both ends of the tube, using hitch pins for secure attachment, and accommodating various configurations such as steps, risers, and tire carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If U-bolt fasteners are used to secure the mounting plate to the frame, then the assembly can be installed on the frame, but excessive wobbling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the U-bolt fasteners from the assembly and replaces them with a mounting plate that has pre-drilled holes for bolts. This extraction of the problematic U-bolt component eliminates the wobbling issue while maintaining installation capability through the improved bolt-hole configuration in the mounting plate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fastening mechanism from U-bolts to bolts passing through holes in the mounting plate. This parameter change in the fastening system provides rigid connection points that prevent wobbling while allowing secure installation to the frame
2Ease of manufacture
If a single mounting plate with fixed bore locations is used, then the mounting tube can be secured to the frame, but the user is limited to a particular frame size
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is designed with multiple holes at different locations and orientations, allowing it to accommodate various frame sizes and configurations. This universal design enables the same mounting plate to securely attach mounting tubes to different frame dimensions, enhancing adaptability while maintaining secure mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate provides multiple hole options that allow dynamic adjustment of bolt positions based on the specific frame size being used. This dynamic configuration capability enables the assembly to adapt to different frame dimensions while maintaining secure attachment through appropriately positioned fasteners
3Device complexity
If the mounting tube has only one open end, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot support attachment members at both ends
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting tube is designed as a hollow tube with two open ends, effectively segmenting the attachment capability along the tube's length. This segmentation allows independent attachment members to be mounted at each end, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple tubular structure that does not require complex internal configurations
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple attachment members are coupled to the existing receiver hitch, then multiple accessories can be mounted, but the trailer hitch must be removed first and multiple attachments cannot be coupled simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attachment members and accessories into a single integrated assembly that mounts to the frame independently of the receiver hitch. This merging allows multiple accessories to be mounted simultaneously without requiring removal of the trailer hitch, greatly improving installation convenience while maintaining versatile accessory mounting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate and mounting tube assembly serves as an intermediary structure between the frame and multiple accessories. This intermediary allows simultaneous attachment of multiple accessories without interfering with the receiver hitch, providing both versatility and ease of operation by decoupling the accessory mounting system from the hitch system
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch mount assembly supports, transports, and stores one or more of a plurality of attachment members and accessories about a mounting surface or frame of a vehicle, a trailer, or a watercraft trailer without using an existing hitch receiver. The hitch mount assembly comprises at least one mounting bracket having at least one base tube having opposing open ends, two mounting plates defining a plurality of bores, and a plurality of fasteners for securing the two mounting plates to the frame; a plurality of attachment members selectively arranged about the base tube forming a kit; and a plurality of hitch pins for securing the components of the hitch mount assembly. The components of the hitch mount assembly may be configured into a variety of ways to form one or more hitch mounting kits that supports, transports, and/or stores accessories.