Locking Hitch Assembly for Axial Movement Under Road Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hitch assemblies face challenges in accommodating heavier towed objects and addressing road conditions such as inclines and vibrations, leading to reduced structural integrity and service life.
Innovation Solution
A hitch assembly design featuring a towing module, connection module, and locking unit, with movable engagement portions and a locking mechanism that allows axial displacement while preventing unintended disassembly, enhancing structural strength and service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the hitch assembly uses a rigid connection structure to accommodate heavier towed objects, then the structural strength is improved, but the service life is reduced due to inability to address road conditions such as inclines and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the main body to move axially within the accommodation space between a first position and a second position. This dynamic capability allows the hitch assembly to adapt to road conditions such as inclines and vibrations while maintaining structural strength through the engagement portions that prevent unintended disassembly, thereby extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hitch assembly into distinct functional modules: a towing module, a connection module, and a locking unit. The main body is separable from the accommodation space through engagement portions, allowing independent optimization of each module's strength and durability characteristics to address both structural requirements and service life considerations.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the hitch assembly allows axial movement to address road conditions, then the service life is extended, but the structural integrity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portions are designed to dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. During normal operation, they maintain structural integrity by preventing unintended disassembly. During controlled operation, they allow axial movement to address road conditions, thereby extending service life without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portions act as intermediary elements between the main body and the accommodation space. They mediate between the conflicting requirements of structural integrity and axial movement capability, allowing controlled motion while preventing unintended separation, thus preserving structural integrity while extending service life.
3Strength
If the hitch assembly uses a locking mechanism to prevent unintended disassembly, then the structural strength is maintained, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented as a separate locking unit distinct from the main body and accommodation space. This modular approach maintains structural strength through the locking mechanism while managing complexity by isolating the locking function in a dedicated component that can be independently designed and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the main body within the accommodation space. This self-service mechanism maintains structural strength without requiring complex external control systems, thereby managing device complexity while ensuring reliable locking functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure aims to provide a hitch assembly comprising a towing module, connection module, and locking unit. The towing module includes a towing head for connecting to a towed object and a main body having a first engagement portion on its peripheral surface. The connection module includes a connection segment for attaching to a traction vehicle and an accommodation chamber having a second engagement portion. The main body is receivable in the accommodation chamber and movable from a first position to a second position within the accommodation chamber. In the first position, the first engagement portion engages with the second engagement portion to prevent disengagement of the towing module from the accommodation space. In the second position, the first engagement portion is disengaged from the second engagement portion to allow axial withdrawal of the towing module along its longitudinal axis. The locking unit restricts movement of the main body from the first position toward the second position. This hitch assembly demonstrates high structural strength and extended service life.