Hitch Stinger Wedge Locking Mechanism for Torque Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hitch-mounted load carriers experience torque loss over time, leading to frequent manual resecuring and potential damage to the hitch receiver, as traditional attachment mechanisms can lose effectiveness and deform the hitch.

Innovation Solution

A hitch-mounted load carrier with a locking mechanism featuring a connecting member and an actuation assembly that radially translates wedges through apertures to securely engage with the hitch receiver, reducing torque loss and preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional attachment mechanisms are used to secure the load carrier to the hitch receiver, then the load carrier can be attached to the vehicle, but the mechanism loses torque over time and may damage or deform the hitch receiver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidhitch damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a connecting member that interfaces with the hitch receiver, and a locking mechanism with actuators and wedges that secure the connection. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to provide secure attachment while protecting the hitch receiver from damage by isolating the force application points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the load carrier and the hitch receiver. It includes a connecting member that interfaces with the hitch and a locking mechanism with actuators and wedges that secure the connection, thereby protecting the hitch receiver from direct contact with potentially damaging forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional attachment mechanisms are used to secure the load carrier, then attachment is achieved, but frequent manual resecuring is required due to torque loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidresecuring frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically maintain its locked position without requiring manual intervention. The actuators and wedges work together to self-adjust and maintain secure attachment, eliminating the need for frequent manual resecuring that would otherwise be required due to torque loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism maintains continuous secure attachment through its actuator-wedge system. The actuators continuously engage the wedges against the connecting member, ensuring uninterrupted locking action that prevents torque loss and eliminates the need for periodic manual resecuring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism with actuators and wedges is implemented, then torque loss is reduced and hitch damage is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism combines multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the actuators, wedges, and connecting member work together as one unified system. This merging reduces overall complexity compared to having separate components for each function, while still achieving secure attachment and hitch protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the load carrier to the hitch, prevents torque loss, and protects the hitch receiver from damage. By combining these functions into a single multi-functional assembly, the design achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The locking mechanism ensures secure attachment of the load carrier to the hitch receiver, minimizing torque loss and the need for frequent resecuring, while preventing damage to the hitch and load carrier.

Implementation Method 1

a first wedge disposed at least partially in the interior of the connecting member... a second wedge disposed orthogonal to the first wedge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Data Source

PatentUS10647263B2Hitch stinger with flat surface wedges

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 THULE SWEDEN AB

AI summary

A hitch-mounted load carrier includes a connecting member configured to be inserted into a hitch receiver and a locking mechanism coupled to the connecting member and configured to secure the connecting member inside the hitch receiver. The locking mechanism includes a first actuator disposed in an interior of the connecting member, a second actuator opposite the first actuator disposed in the interior of the connecting member and coupled to the first actuator by a shaft, and a first wedge disposed at least partially in the interior of the connecting member. A first surface of the first wedge contacts the first actuator and a second surface of the first wedge contacts the second actuator. The first and second actuators are configured to radially translate the first wedge.