Modular Trailer Hitch Buffer With Resilient Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trailer hitch systems lack versatility and effective shock absorption, leading to damage during towing and inefficient use of vehicle space, especially when handling different trailer sizes and types, and do not provide adequate protection against rear impacts.

Innovation Solution

A modular trailer hitch system with a cross arm and resilient member that allows tool-free adjustment and reconfiguration to fit various tow vehicles and trailers, incorporating a winch, rear step, and alignment attachment for secure and protective attachment of trailers, while the resilient member mitigates shock impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed trailer hitch system is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it lacks versatility for different trailer sizes and types, requiring multiple hitches and adapters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility for different trailer sizes and typesVSAvoidsystem complexity with multiple hitches and adapters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cross member is designed with multiple attachment surfaces and voids that can accommodate different hitch receivers, ball brackets, and accessories. A single cross member can serve multiple functions by attaching different components to its various surfaces, eliminating the need for multiple separate hitches and adapters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The hitch system is divided into modular components including the cross member, hitch receivers, ball brackets, and accessories. Each component can be independently attached or detached from the cross member using pins, allowing flexible reconfiguration for different towing needs without replacing the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If rigid trailer hitch components are used, then structural strength is maintained, but shock absorption capability is insufficient leading to damage during towing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength of hitch componentsVSAvoidshock damage to host vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A resilient member is integrated into the cross member structure to provide shock absorption before impacts reach the host vehicle. This cushioning element is pre-installed and ready to absorb shocks during towing operations, protecting both the hitch system and the vehicle from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Strength

If the cross member structure is made robust for strength, then it can handle heavy loads, but it occupies excessive vehicle space and reduces flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload handling capacityVSAvoidvehicle space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch system uses a modular design where the cross member serves as a compact central structure with attachment points distributed around it. This segmentation allows the system to handle heavy loads through proper structural design of the cross member while maintaining a compact footprint that minimizes vehicle space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If multiple separate hitches and adapters are used for different trailers, then specific compatibility is ensured, but the system becomes complex and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailer-hitch compatibilityVSAvoidtowing efficiency and trailer transfer speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cross member is designed with universal attachment capabilities that can accommodate different hitch receivers, ball brackets, and trailer types through its multiple surfaces and voids. This universality ensures compatibility across different trailer configurations while maintaining a simple single-system architecture, improving towing efficiency and enabling quick trailer transfers between vehicles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The modular system enhances towing efficiency by allowing seamless trailer transfer between vehicles, reduces damage from rear impacts, and optimizes vehicle space for carrying various loads, improving profitability and safety by eliminating the need for multiple hitches and adapters.

Implementation Method 1

a malleable buffer within a cross member tube to compress and reduce (mitigate) shock damage to the host vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9096105B1Modular trailer hitch buffer

Publication Date: 2015.08.04 SPILLER WAYNE

AI summary

A modular trailer hitch which removably couples to a trailer hitch receiver fixedly mounted to a tow vehicle. The modular trailer hitch comprises a cross arm, and at least one of several disclosed components which may be attached in varying configurations to the hitch receiver.