Monobar Hitch System with Offset Pivot Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hitch assemblies for distributing tongue weight of a trailer unevenly load the towing vehicle, requiring significant strength and risk for coupling spring bars, and impart stresses due to offset pivot axes and varying forces.
Innovation Solution
A hitch system with a pivotally connected hitch head, a rotatable hitch pin, and a single pivotally connected spring that biases force distribution, allowing even weight distribution across the towing vehicle's wheels by adjusting the spring's position using a jack, eliminating the need for separate spring bars and reducing stress on the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spring bars are used in a hitch assembly, then weight distribution is achieved, but significant strength is required and risk exists for coupling the spring bars to the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a jack as an intermediary device between the spring bar and the trailer. The jack lifts the trailer tongue to raise the coupler, allowing the spring bar to be coupled to the trailer in its unbiased, free condition without requiring significant strength or posing safety risks to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack performs a preliminary action by lifting the trailer tongue before the spring bar coupling is completed. This preliminary lifting action creates the necessary space and alignment for safe and easy coupling of the spring bar to the trailer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If offset pivot axes are used for spring bars, then hitch functionality is achieved, but stresses are imparted on the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the spring bar pivot axis relative to the hitch ball center. The pivot axis is deliberately offset to accommodate the A-frame trailer tongue geometry while maintaining balanced force distribution through the single spring bar configuration, reducing uneven stresses on the trailer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pivot axis location parameter from the traditional hitch ball center to an offset position that aligns with the single spring bar configuration. This parameter change optimizes the force distribution and reduces stress on the trailer while maintaining hitch functionality.
3Device complexity
If a single spring bar is used instead of two, then coupling complexity is reduced, but weight distribution effectiveness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of two separate spring bars into a single spring bar configuration. The single spring bar is positioned and biased to perform the weight distribution function that traditionally required two bars, simplifying the device while maintaining effectiveness through optimized geometry and biasing force.
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 system simplifies coupling and reduces stress on the trailer by evenly distributing tongue weight, eliminating the risk of spring bars loosening and striking users, while maintaining consistent force distribution during vehicle movement.
Implementation Method 1
a single spring pivotally connected to the hitch head and pivotable with respect to the hitch head about a spring axis. The spring is connectable to the trailer when the trailer is connected to the hitch pin and the spring can provide a biasing force when a distal end of the spring that is spaced from the spring axis is moved from a first position relatively far from the trailer into a second position locating the spring nearer the trailer
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch system for distributing weight from a trailer to the wheels of a towing vehicle. The system has a hitch head that is pivotally connected to a hitch bar and is pivotable about a hitch head axis with respect to the hitch bar. A hitch pin is rotatably fixed to the hitch head and the hitch pin is rotatable with respect to the hitch head about a hitch pin axis. The hitch pin axis is transverse to the hitch head axis. A single spring is pivotally connected to the hitch head and is pivotable with respect to the hitch head about a spring axis. A distal end of the spring spaced from the spring axis is connectable to the trailer when the trailer is connected to the hitch pin and the spring can provide a biasing force when the distal end of the spring is moved nearer the trailer.