Movable Trailer Hitch Attachments for Safe Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-attachment trailer hitches with multiple hitch connectors of varying sizes pose a tripping hazard and puncture risk due to their bulky design, requiring frequent removal and reinstallation, which is cumbersome for vehicle operators.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch design featuring a shank with movable supports that allow hitch attachments to swivel between a working position and a storage position, eliminating rearward protrusion when not in use, thus minimizing hazards and simplifying operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hitch connectors of varying sizes are mounted on a bulky multi-ball structure, then the towing vehicle can tow differently equipped trailers, but the structure creates tripping hazards and puncture risks for passers-by
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch attachments are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be repositioned between a working position (rearwardly beyond the rear end of the shank) and a storage position (forwardly of the working position). This dynamic capability eliminates the need for a bulky fixed structure while maintaining versatility for different trailer types.
Solution Approach 2:
The supports are configured to move hitch attachments along the longitudinal axis of the shank, transitioning between rearward and forward positions. This dimensional movement allows the same attachment to serve multiple functions: when positioned rearwardly for towing operations and when positioned forwardly for safe storage, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bulky multi-ball structure is used to accommodate multiple hitch connectors, then various trailer configurations can be supported, but the structure must be frequently removed and reinstalled, creating operational burden
Solution Approach 1:
The supports enable hitch attachments to be dynamically repositioned along the shank's longitudinal axis without removal. The attachments can be moved between storage and working positions, providing multi-connector versatility while eliminating the need for frequent removal and reinstallation, thus resolving the operational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support system allows a single hitch assembly to perform multiple functions by positioning different attachments in the working position as needed. This universal capability replaces the need for multiple fixed structures, maintaining adaptability while significantly improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If hitch attachments are positioned rearwardly beyond the rear end of the shank for working position, then towing functionality is enabled, but the attachments create safety hazards when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The supports enable hitch attachments to be dynamically repositioned between a rearward working position (for towing) and a forward storage position (for safety). This dynamic movement allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, eliminating safety hazards when towing is not required while maintaining full towing functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch system is segmented into movable components (supports carrying attachments) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the attachments to be separated from the hazardous rearward position and moved forward for storage, resolving the contradiction between operational functionality and safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-attachment trailer hitch features a shank for coupling with a receiver tube of a towing vehicle, and first and second hitch attachments of different size or type from one another movably carried on the shank by one or more supports. Each support is movably coupled to the shank for selective swiveling or rotation thereof about an upright axis to move one or more of said hitch attachments between a working position situated rearwardly beyond the rear end of the shank, and a storage position situated more forwardly than the working position. The one or more supports are movable into a full-storage state in which no hitch attachment occupies the working position, thereby eliminating or minimizing a rearward projection of the hitch from the rear of a towing vehicle to reduce or eliminating tripping or rear-end puncture hazards.