Inflatable Trailer Hitch Cover With Threaded Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch cover assemblies lack durability and functionality, particularly in withstanding high pressures and providing effective attachment and safety features such as vibration dampening and audible alerts.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch cover assembly comprising an inflatable object capable of withstanding 2000 pounds per square inch internal pressure, with a first attachment plate inside and a second external plate, and a housing with threaded apertures for secure attachment to a hitch tube, featuring optional springs for vibration dampening and an audible alert system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an inflatable object is used to provide a visible and functional cover, then visibility and safety are improved, but structural strength and pressure resistance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inflatable bladder constructed from flexible polymer materials (such as PVC or nylon) that can be inflated to a high state of rigidity. When inflated to 2000 PSI, the flexible shell transforms into a structurally sound cover that provides both visibility and adequate strength, resolving the contradiction between flexibility/visibility and structural strength.
2Strength
If a rigid housing and multiple attachment plates are used to ensure secure attachment, then attachment strength is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into distinct functional segments: an internal attachment plate integrated with the bladder, an external attachment plate for mounting hardware, and a housing that protects the threaded members. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing strong attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal attachment plate is nested within the inflatable bladder structure, while the external attachment plate is nested within the housing. The threaded members extend through both plates and into the housing, creating a nested configuration that secures multiple components in a compact arrangement, reducing overall complexity.
3Reliability
If threaded members extend through the inflatable object to provide secure fastening, then attachment reliability is improved, but structural integrity of the inflatable object is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The internal attachment plate serves as an intermediary element between the inflatable bladder and the external mounting hardware. The threaded members pass through this rigid plate rather than directly through the flexible bladder material, distributing mechanical stresses and preventing direct puncture or damage to the bladder while maintaining secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer hitch cover assembly, which includes an inflatable object capable of withstanding about 2000 pounds per square inch internal pressure, a first attachment plate disposed within the inflatable object, a second attachment plate disposed in physical contact with but external to the inflatable object, a housing comprising a plurality of threaded apertures extending therethrough and dimensioned to be received by a trailer hitch receiver, where a corresponding plurality of threaded members are attached to the first attachment plate, extend outwardly from the first attachment plate through a surface of the inflatable object, extend through the second attachment plate, and intermesh with the plurality of threaded apertures.