Modular Double Pin Load Sensor for Universal Hitch Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle hitch designs vary significantly between models due to factors like rear bumper housing shape, spare tire placement, and frame rail spacing, making it difficult to package force-sensing elements, which increases manufacturing costs and reduces availability of replacement parts.
Innovation Solution
A modular double pin load sensor system is implemented, featuring load-sensing pins disposed within a pin adapter coupled to a receiver tube, allowing for determination of load conditions on any vehicle and trailer configuration, with a load manager analyzing outputs to present load conditions to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force-sensing elements are customized for each vehicle model to accommodate different hitch configurations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized force-sensing element that can be used across multiple vehicle models with different hitch configurations. The sensor system uses a universal mounting interface that adapts to various receiver tube positions and orientations, allowing the same sensor design to measure load conditions on different vehicle platforms without requiring model-specific customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hitch measurement system into modular components: a standardized force-sensing element, an adaptive mounting mechanism, and a signal processing unit. This segmentation allows the core sensing technology to remain uniform while the mounting interface adapts to different vehicle configurations, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If custom force-sensing elements are designed for each vehicle model, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The force-sensing element is designed as a universal component that can be manufactured using the same process for multiple vehicle models. The standardized sensor design with adaptive mounting capabilities eliminates the need for model-specific manufacturing, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining measurement precision through proper sensor placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the mounting position and orientation of the universal force-sensing element to accommodate different hitch configurations. Rather than changing the sensor design itself, the system varies mounting parameters (position, angle, depth) to achieve accurate measurements across different vehicle models, simplifying manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If model-specific hitch designs are used to accommodate different configurations, then adaptability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The force-sensing element is designed as a universal replacement part that can be installed on multiple vehicle models with different hitch configurations. The standardized design and adaptive mounting interface ensure that a single replacement sensor can service multiple vehicle platforms, dramatically improving ease of repair and parts availability while maintaining adaptability through flexible installation options.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for a modular double pin load sensor coupled to a hitch receiver. An example disclosed apparatus to be coupled to a receiver tube includes a crossbar interface to be coupled to a crossbar of a hitch, a pin adapter coupled to the crossbar interface, a first load-sensing pin disposed within the pin adapter, and a second load-sensing pin disposed within the pin adapter.