Magnetic Hitch Pin Assembly for Aperture Alignment and Anti-Rattle Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receiver hitch assemblies face challenges in aligning the apertures of the shank and receiver tube, leading to difficult installation processes and noisy rattling due to transverse and longitudinal play between the shank and receiver tube.
Innovation Solution
A hitch pin assembly comprising a hitch pin, a housing, and a shoulder bushing with a spring-loaded plunger that aligns the apertures and secures the shank in place, using a rotatable housing and threaded projection to lock the pin, reducing friction and rattling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shank is inserted into the receiver tube without alignment assistance, then the installation process requires repeated manual adjustments, but the alignment of apertures becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing alignment features (such as alignment pins or tapered surfaces) on the shank and receiver tube that automatically guide the shank into the correct position before the final insertion. This preliminary alignment action eliminates the need for repeated manual adjustments during installation, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and installation time.
2Ease of operation
If the shank fits loosely in the receiver tube to allow telescopic movement, then the shank can be easily inserted and removed, but transverse and longitudinal play causes noisy rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different fit characteristics at different locations along the shank-receiver tube interface. The upper portion allows telescopic movement with clearance for ease of operation, while the lower portion incorporates anti-rattle features (such as friction surfaces or mechanical locks) that eliminate transverse and longitudinal play. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and rattling noise.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added to prevent rattling, then the shank is firmly secured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a locking mechanism that automatically engages when the shank is inserted into the receiver tube. The mechanism uses the insertion motion itself to trigger the locking action (such as a cam-actuated clamp or spring-loaded lock), eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations. This self-activating approach provides secure attachment while minimizing device complexity.
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
Facilitates easy alignment of the shank and receiver tube apertures, preventing rattling and ensuring secure attachment without the need for repeated manual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
In another embodiment, the hitch pin assembly is attached to the receiver tube by a magnet that enables the hitch pin assembly to be easily attached and removed from the receiver tube.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch pin assembly includes a hitch pin, a lock housing and a magnet on the lock housing. The magnet releasably attaches the lock housing for rotation around an aperture through the receiver tube. A plunger in the lock housing extends through the magnet and into the receiver tube. When a shank of a hitch assembly is inserted into the receiver tube and apertures on the shank and receiver tube align, the plunger extends through the apertures and holds the shank in position. A hitch pin is inserted through the opposite side of the receiver tube and into the lock housing. Flat exterior surfaces on the hitch pin are positioned between flat interior surfaces in the lock housing and hold the hitch pin against rotation as a rod in the lock housing is rotated into the hitch pin securing the rod and hitch pin together.