Pivoting Hitch Adapter With Multi-Point Cargo Securement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hitch adapters for 5th wheel ball hitches are narrowly tailored and lack the necessary connection and securement options for securing diverse equipment and cargo, such as dirt bikes, ATVs, and extension ladders, making it difficult to provide quick and secure attachment points.
Innovation Solution
A hitch adapter with a base plate featuring multiple anchor points and a pivotable latch plate with variable openings and semicircular cutouts, allowing for secure attachment of various securement devices, and enabling the adapter to be easily positioned between open and closed states to accommodate different hitch sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current hitch adapters are used, then they can secure specific equipment, but they lack versatility for different situations and equipment types
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch adapter incorporates multiple anchor points (first and second anchor points) and multiple connection points (first, second, third, and fourth connection points) arranged in different orientations and positions. This universal design allows the same adapter to secure various types of equipment including dirt bikes, ATVs, extension ladders, and other cargo, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters for different situations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection points are added to provide more securement options, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is segmented into distinct functional elements: a base plate with anchor points, a latch plate with connection points, and multiple semicircular cutouts. Each segment serves specific purposes - the base plate provides mounting anchors, the latch plate provides securement points, and the cutouts enable selective engagement. This segmentation allows multiple connection options without creating a monolithic complex structure, as each component can be independently positioned and configured.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of connection points at different locations and orientations (radially about a center point, at opposite ends, at angular positions). This dimensional distribution allows multiple securement options in different directions and planes, enabling versatile cargo attachment without requiring additional complex mechanisms, as the complexity is distributed across space rather than concentrated in a single structure.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to secure the hitch, then reliability improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch plate is designed to be manually operable by the user without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The user can directly manipulate the latch plate to engage or disengage the hitch, and the multiple connection points allow the user to select the most convenient securement option for the specific cargo being transported. This self-service design maintains ease of operation while providing reliable securement through the robust latch mechanism and multiple anchor points.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in this disclosure is a hitch adapter having a base plate and a latch plate. The base plate includes a plurality of anchor points and first and second semicircular cutouts. The base plate also includes a plurality of connection points disposed radially about a center point. The latch plate includes a latch semicircular cutout and a plurality of connection points—equal to the quantity of base plate connection points and corresponding to the locations of the base plate connection points. The latch plate is disposed atop the base plate.