Off-Road Hitch Assembly With Multi-Point Frame Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicles face issues with hitch assemblies that lack sufficient support and load distribution, leading to potential damage from heavy external loads and off-axis recovery efforts, resulting in bent or broken hitch mounts due to uneven paths and steep curves.
Innovation Solution
A hitch assembly design featuring a base plate and top member forming a cavity for a drawbar, with additional supporting plates and apertures for secure attachment, providing multiple points of support from the vehicle frame to distribute loads effectively and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact receiver hitch is used in off-road vehicles, then the vehicle maintains a compact size, but the hitch lacks sufficient support and load distribution capability
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly is divided into multiple components: a base plate that attaches to the frame, a top member that forms the receiver opening, and multiple supporting plates positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively providing enhanced strength and load distribution without increasing overall hitch size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane compact hitch design to a multi-dimensional structure with supporting plates positioned at various heights and locations around the receiver opening. This dimensional expansion provides additional support points and load distribution paths while maintaining a compact footprint.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-frame member attachment is used, then the hitch installation is simple, but the hitch cannot handle heavy external loads and off-axis recovery forces
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple frame members are merged into a single integrated attachment system through the base plate and supporting plates. These components work together as a unified structure to distribute loads across multiple frame members, combining their strength while maintaining simple installation through standardized attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch assembly is designed with multi-functional capabilities: it can handle vertical towing loads, off-axis recovery forces, and lateral stresses. The supporting plates and base plate configuration provide universal support for various loading conditions while maintaining a single standardized installation method.
3Strength
If additional supporting plates and attachment points are added, then load distribution improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Additional supporting plates and attachment points are strategically positioned at specific locations where loads are most critical. Rather than uniformly distributing components throughout the hitch assembly, the design places support elements locally at high-stress areas, providing enhanced load distribution while minimizing overall component count.
4Device complexity
If the hitch is attached to a single frame member, then the structure is simple, but torque from uneven paths and steep curves can damage the hitch or frame
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is segmented to connect with multiple frame members through the base plate and supporting plates. This segmentation distributes torque and rotational forces across multiple attachment points, preventing any single frame member from bearing the full brunt of torsional loads from uneven terrain and steep curves.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a hitch assembly for an off-road vehicle having different components such as a frame, an engine assembly, a suspension assembly, and a hitch assembly. The hitch assembly is coupled to a rear part of the frame of the vehicle so as to get support therefrom. The hitch assembly is configured to be attached to an external load and is further configured to provide secure attachment and support of the external load therewith.