Hitch-Mounted Utility Equipment Gate for Rear Compartment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for mounting outboard utility equipment to vehicles often require invasive methods that damage the vehicle and obstruct access to compartments, necessitating disassembly or uninstallation for access.
Innovation Solution
A displaceable mounting system with a fixed first portion and a pivotally coupled second portion allows secure attachment to a vehicle's tow hitch, enabling the utility equipment to be displaced out of the way for unobstructed access to compartments without dismounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If outboard utility equipment is securely mounted to the vehicle using drilling, clamping, or other destructive measures, then the mounting strength and stability are improved, but the vehicle structure is damaged or disfigured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hitch-mounted support structure as an intermediary between the vehicle and the outboard utility equipment. This support structure attaches to the vehicle's existing hitch receiver (a non-destructive attachment point) and provides the necessary mounting surface and strength for the utility equipment, thereby eliminating the need to drill or clamp directly into the vehicle body
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure replicates the functional characteristics of permanent mounted equipment by providing a rigid, stable mounting platform that mimics the strength and reliability of drilled-in installations, while maintaining the flexibility of removable attachment through the hitch receiver interface
2Reliability
If outboard utility equipment is mounted on the vehicle, then the equipment is securely carried, but access to the vehicle's rear compartment is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a movable gate assembly that can be dynamically repositioned between a closed position (when equipment is being used) and an open position (when compartment access is needed). This dynamic element allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, maintaining both equipment security and compartment accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into separable components: a fixed frame portion attached to the hitch receiver and a movable gate portion that can be independently opened or closed. This segmentation allows the gate to be moved out of the way for compartment access while the main support structure remains securely attached to the vehicle
3Ease of operation
If the utility equipment is mounted to block access to the rear compartment, then the equipment is readily accessible, but the compartment becomes inaccessible without disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The gate assembly is designed as a dynamic component that can be easily opened and closed without tools or complex procedures. When opened, the gate provides direct access to the compartment while the equipment remains mounted on the support structure, eliminating the need for any disassembly operations
Data Source
AI summary
A system is for displaceable mounting of outboard utility equipment to a vehicle for selective in situ access to a utility compartment of the vehicle includes a first portion that may be detachably fixed to the vehicle. The first portion includes a main support frame defining an access opening for unimpeded access to the utility compartment, and a hitch receiver defining a tow hitch receptacle for auxiliary equipment. A second portion is displaceably coupled to the first portion for displacement between open and closed positions relative thereto. The second portion in the closed position extends across at least a portion of the access opening and in the open position remains displaced to permit unobstructed access to the utility compartment through the access opening. The second portion includes a gate assembly to which the outboard utility equipment is attached. A latching structure releasably locks the second portion in the closed position.