Multi-Size Hitch Pin for Universal Trailer Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hitch pins are limited by size compatibility, requiring different pins for various hitch insert sizes, with no effective adapters to adjust oversized or undersized pins, leading to potential detachment issues during towing.

Innovation Solution

A hitch pin with multiple end portions of different sizes, including a transition portion and a retaining clip, allowing a single pin to fit various aperture sizes and prevent inadvertent removal, facilitating interchangeability across different hitch assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different sized hitch pins are used to accommodate various hitch insert sizes, then compatibility with different hitch assemblies is improved, but device complexity and the number of parts required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different hitch assembliesVSAvoidnumber of different pins required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch pin is designed with multiple end portions of different sizes (e.g., first end portion with diameter D1, second end portion with diameter D2) on a single pin body, enabling one pin to serve multiple functions by fitting different sized apertures in various hitch assemblies. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate pins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The hitch pin is segmented into multiple end portions with different cross-sectional dimensions along its length. Each end portion can be inserted into apertures of corresponding sizes, allowing the single pin to adapt to different hitch insert configurations while maintaining structural integrity through the transition portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single hitch pin with multiple sizes is used, then the number of parts is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process creates distinct segments (end portions) along the pin body with different cross-sectional dimensions. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing techniques while achieving the multi-size functionality, balancing manufacturing complexity with part reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the pin body have different local qualities (cross-sectional dimensions) optimized for specific aperture sizes. The transition portion provides a gradual change in dimensions, allowing for controlled manufacturing processes that maintain precision across varying geometries without requiring entirely different manufacturing methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the hitch pin has multiple end portions of different sizes, then adaptability to different aperture sizes is improved, but the structural complexity of the pin increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit different size aperturesVSAvoidpin structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pin structure is divided into distinct segments (first end portion, second end portion, transition portion) where each segment has a specific function. The first and second end portions provide different sized interfaces for aperture fitting, while the transition portion smoothly connects these segments, managing structural complexity through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each portion of the pin has locally optimized dimensions and properties suited to its specific function. The end portions have different cross-sectional qualities to match different aperture sizes, while the transition portion has intermediate qualities that facilitate both structural integrity and dimensional transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional fixed size hitch pins are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to various hitch insert sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with different hitch inserts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch pin achieves universality by incorporating multiple end portions with different cross-sectional dimensions on a single pin body. This allows one manufactured component to replace multiple specialized pins, maintaining manufacturing efficiency while dramatically improving adaptability to various hitch insert sizes and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9090136B2Hitch pin

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 WINSTON PRODS LLC

AI summary

A hitch pin for use in a hitch assembly is provided. The hitch pin includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a transition portion. The size of the first end portion is different relative to the size of the second end portion. The two end portions are configured to fit different size apertures defined by a hitch assembly component. In further examples, the hitch pin can include a first end portion, a second end portion, a third end portion, and a transition portion. The first end portion is of a different size relative to both the second end portion and the third end portion.