Vehicle Hitch Assembly Torque Distribution for Bumper Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle hitch assemblies designed for trailer towing are inadequate for supporting heavy loads in suspension, as they are not designed to handle excessive torque loads, and they often interfere with the normal use of vehicle cargo areas and tailgates.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hitch assembly with a horizontally extending rigid trailer hitch receiver insert and a rigid support arm that is adjustable in both vertical and horizontal directions, securely attached to the vehicle bumper and hitch receiver, distributing torque loads across the bumper for stable support of heavy accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a Class III or Class IV trailer hitch receiver is used to support heavy loads in suspension, then the load support capability is improved, but the torque loads exceed the design capacity of the receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a support arm that attaches to the bumper, a connector that links to the hitch receiver, and the receiver itself. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific forces, with the support arm and bumper handling torque loads and the receiver handling vertical load support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm acts as an intermediary element between the bumper and the hitch receiver. It transfers and distributes the torque loads generated by suspended accessories to the bumper, preventing these excessive torque loads from being applied directly to the hitch receiver, which is not designed to handle them.
2Strength
If a 3 point hitch is supported from the hitch receiver and further supported from a goose neck hitch in the truck bed, then the torque load capacity is improved, but the cargo area and tailgate cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is extracted from the cargo area (truck bed) and relocated to the bumper. The support arm attaches to the bumper, which is part of the vehicle's structural frame, allowing the cargo area to remain fully accessible and usable for its intended purpose while still providing the necessary support for heavy loads.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support arm is rigidly secured to the bumper, then the stability is improved, but the adjustability for different vehicle configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing it to be positioned at multiple vertical locations along the support arm and secured at various horizontal positions. This enables the assembly to adapt to different vehicle configurations while maintaining stable, rigid connections when installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into adjustable and securement components, allowing independent adjustment of position followed by rigid fixation. This segmentation enables the system to achieve both adaptability during installation and stability during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle hitch assembly for suspension support of an accessory from the rear of a vehicle having a rear bumper and a trailer hitch receiver positioned under the bumper. The hitch assembly includes a horizontally extending rigid trailer hitch receiver insert for insertion and retention in the vehicle trailer hitch receiver, and a rigid support arm having one end adjustably and detachably securable to the vehicle rear bumper and another end thereof rigidly and adjustably securable to the trailer hitch receiver insert. An accessory support is then secured to the vehicle hitch assembly for supporting a load off of the rear of the vehicle.