Pin-Drop Hitch Mount With Biased Pin Retainer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch mount assemblies for towing vehicles face challenges in efficient hitching and unhitching processes, particularly when pin holes are misaligned, requiring manual intervention and multiple attempts, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A pin-drop hitch mount assembly with a biased pin retainer mechanism that automatically moves the pin between retracted and extended positions, using a latch and biasing member to facilitate hitching and unhitching, allowing the pin to automatically return to its retracted position for subsequent attempts without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hitch mount assembly is used, then the pin can be manually inserted and removed, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple attempts when pin holes are misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is preliminarily positioned in a retracted position within the receiver tube, prepared for automatic insertion. The latch mechanism is pre-configured to hold the pin in this position until release, enabling quick automatic deployment when alignment is achieved without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch mount assembly performs self-service through automatic pin deployment. When the drawbar is inserted and pin holes align, the system automatically releases the latch and extends the pin through the aligned holes, eliminating the need for manual pin insertion and multiple alignment attempts.
2Reliability
If manual pin resetting is required for multiple attempts, then alignment can be achieved, but user intervention is needed which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically resets the pin to the retracted position within the receiver tube after unsuccessful alignment attempts or during unhitching operations. This self-service function eliminates the need for manual pin removal and repositioning, maintaining reliability while maximizing automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is designed to be dynamically movable between retracted and extended positions. The latch mechanism provides dynamic control, automatically transitioning the pin between positions based on alignment conditions, enabling reliable operation with full automation.
3Ease of operation
If the pin remains exposed after removal, then it can be easily accessed, but it may be lost or damaged without support
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is nested within the receiver tube when in the retracted position, protected from external damage and loss. The receiver tube serves as a protective housing that contains the pin during storage and automatic resetting operations, while still allowing easy access when needed.
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
Enables quick and convenient hitching and unhitching of towing vehicles, reducing the need for manual pin resetting and allowing single-user operation, with automatic alignment and repositioning of the pin for multiple hitching attempts.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that biases the latch toward the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch mount assembly includes a drawbar receiver with a drawbar cavity and a pin opening and a pin removably received within the pin opening. A latch that is supported for movement between a first position and a second position. The latch, in the first position, is configured to engage the pin and retain the pin in a retracted position. The latch, in the second position, is configured to disengage the pin and release the pin for movement of the pin from the retracted position to the extended position. Furthermore, the hitch mount assembly includes a biasing member that biases the latch toward the first position and a pin rest configured to support the pin when the latch is in the second position. The pin rest is configured to release the pin as the latch biases from the second position to the first position and engages the pin.