Trailer Hitch Safety Connector Spoon Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ball-type hitch assemblies are prone to decoupling due to loose lever mechanisms or improper sizing, leading to potential trailer disengagement during use.

Innovation Solution

A safety connector apparatus featuring a spoon element secured to the hitch with fastening bars and a bent locking rod to ensure the trailer remains secured to the hitch, even if the ball becomes loose within the receptor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a ball-type hitch assembly is used with a lever mechanism, then the connection between trailer and vehicle is established, but the connection may become loose or disengage during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidhitch assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spoon element is pre-installed on the underside of the hitch assembly before use, positioned to contact the ball assembly and prevent it from becoming loose or disengaging from the receptor, thereby establishing a safety mechanism in advance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spoon element acts as a compensatory measure that is already in place to counteract potential failures of the primary lever mechanism, providing a backup connection that prevents trailer disengagement if the main locking mechanism fails

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the lever mechanism is left open or improperly locked, then the hitch assembly is easier to operate, but the ball and receptor only loosely connect risking disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehitch operation easeVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spoon element is positioned to contact the ball assembly in advance, creating a counteracting force that prevents the ball from becoming loose or disengaging, even when the lever mechanism is improperly locked or left open, thereby providing preliminary protection against connection failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the ball is undersized relative to the receptor, then the hitch assembly can accommodate various sizes, but the connection is improper and the trailer may disengage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehitch size adaptabilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spoon element acts as an intermediary component between the ball assembly and the receptor, providing additional contact and support that compensates for size mismatches, ensuring proper connection even when the ball is undersized relative to the receptor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11458787B2Safety connector apparatus for trailer hitches

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 SCHREIER RYAN B

AI summary

A ball-style hitch safety connector apparatus with a spoon safety connector made, as well as alternative designs, is disclosed herein. In an embodiment a spoon element is secured on the underside of the hitch, the spoon element including a spoon- or cup-shaped portion along with a handle. This spoon element presses up on the bottom of the ball assembly, in particular the underside where the nut and bolt are located that secure the ball to in place.