Dual-Reacting Hitch Pin Load Sensing Across Hitch Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle hitch designs vary significantly between models, making it difficult to package force-sensing elements effectively, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced availability of replacement parts, as existing load-sensing technologies are often tailored to specific hitch configurations and not practical for universal use.
Innovation Solution
A dual reacting system with a single load sensing pin and a non-load sensing pin, disposed within a pin adapter coupled to a receiver tube, allows for determining load characteristics at the trailer hitch receiver, reducing packaging size and cost while minimizing hysteresis in the sensor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force-sensing elements are tailored to specific hitch configurations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single load sensing pin that can be used across multiple hitch configurations and vehicle models. The pin is equipped with strain gauges that can measure loads in multiple directions (vertical and horizontal), making it a multi-functional sensor that replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors for different hitch types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single load sensing pin. By combining vertical load sensing and horizontal load sensing capabilities into one pin assembly, the system reduces the number of separate components needed. The strain gauges are positioned to detect both vertical and horizontal forces simultaneously, merging what would otherwise require separate sensor systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple load sensing pins are used to cover all load directions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single load sensing pin. By combining vertical load sensing and horizontal load sensing capabilities into one pin assembly, the system reduces the number of separate components needed. The strain gauges are positioned to detect both vertical and horizontal forces simultaneously, merging what would otherwise require separate sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a single load sensing pin that can be used across multiple hitch configurations and vehicle models. The pin is equipped with strain gauges that can measure loads in multiple directions (vertical and horizontal), making it a multi-functional sensor that replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors for different hitch types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hitch designs are customized for different vehicle models, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture and parts availability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single load sensing pin that can be used across multiple hitch configurations and vehicle models. The pin is equipped with strain gauges that can measure loads in multiple directions (vertical and horizontal), making it a multi-functional sensor that replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors for different hitch types.
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
This solution enables efficient load condition monitoring across various vehicle and trailer configurations, reducing manufacturing costs and improving the availability of replacement parts by using a single load sensing pin and a non-load sensing pin, which are adaptable to different hitch designs.
Implementation Method 1
the first pin including a strain gauge, the strain gauge to have a first portion and a second portion, the first portion to be disposed on a surface of the first pin, the second portion to extend from the first portion along a longitudinal axis of the first pin
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for a dual reacting, single load sensing element coupled to a hitch receiver are disclosed herein. An example computer readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed, cause one or more processors to determine a location of a hitch ball of a hitch of a vehicle, determine a load condition of the hitch based on the location and data received from a sensor of a first pin of the hitch, the hitch including a second pin, the first pin to react loads in a first direction and a second direction, the second pin to react loads in the first direction and in response to the load condition satisfying an alert threshold, alert a user of the load condition.