Configurable Trailer Hitch Pivoting Storage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitches lack a convenient and tool-free mechanism for transitioning between towing and storage positions, increasing the risk of loss or unavailability of the arm and ball when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A configurable trailer hitch apparatus with a frame member, top plate, bottom weldment, hitch receiver, pivot pin, retaining pin, and storage latch, allowing easy transition between towing and storage positions by pivoting the hitch receiver and engaging the retaining pin or storage latch without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the towing ball and arm are removed when not in use, then the tripping and collision hazard is reduced, but the probability of loss or unavailability of the arm and ball increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch receiver and ball assembly are nested within the vehicle frame structure when in storage position. The receiver pivots into a retracted position where it is contained within the frame members, effectively nesting the movable components within the fixed structure to eliminate hazards while maintaining availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch receiver is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to pivot between a stored position (retracted against the frame) and a towing position (extended outward). This dynamic movement enables the system to adapt between hazard reduction and functional availability states.
2Reliability
If the arm and ball are permanently mounted, then availability is ensured, but tripping and collision hazards increase when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch receiver is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to pivot between a stored position (retracted against the frame) and a towing position (extended outward). This dynamic movement enables the system to adapt between hazard reduction and functional availability states.
3Ease of operation
If a spring loaded locking arrangement is used for retractable tow bar, then automated storage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a self-latching mechanism where the hitch receiver automatically engages with latch members when pivoted to the storage position. The geometry of the receiver and latch members creates automatic engagement without requiring additional springs, actuators, or complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex spring-loaded locking mechanism from the system and replaces it with a simpler geometric latch system. The latch members are directly mounted to the frame and engage with corresponding features on the receiver through pure pivoting motion, eliminating the need for auxiliary spring mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the hitch receiver is made configurable with easy transition between positions, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch receiver is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to pivot between a stored position (retracted against the frame) and a towing position (extended outward). This dynamic movement enables the system to adapt between hazard reduction and functional availability states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a self-latching mechanism where the hitch receiver automatically engages with latch members when pivoted to the storage position. The geometry of the receiver and latch members creates automatic engagement without requiring additional springs, actuators, or complex locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a configurable trailer hitch that provides an extended towing position for transferring a tractor force to a load, and a retracted storage position for safely stowing the hitch under a towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a spring loaded retaining pin which engages a hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the towing position, and a storage latch adapted to hold the hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the storage position.