Polymer Hitch Step with Reinforcing Member for Impact Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch steps for vehicles, typically made of metal, are heavy and lack the ability to absorb impact forces from rear-end collisions effectively, as they primarily transmit rather than absorb impacts due to their design and material properties.
Innovation Solution
A hitch step made from a polymeric material with a hollow step body and a tongue, featuring internal reinforcing members and a unique structure that allows for absorption of impact forces, providing support and resistance to torque without the need for metal reinforcements, thereby reducing weight and enhancing impact absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hitch steps are made from metal to withstand weight and torsional forces, then strength and stability are improved, but weight increases and impact absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch step combines polymeric material for the main body with metal reinforcing members (such as steel cables, wires, or mesh) embedded within the polymer structure. This composite construction provides the strength and stability of metal while maintaining the weight reduction and impact absorption benefits of polymer materials.
Solution Approach 2:
Metal reinforcing members are strategically positioned in specific areas of the hitch step where structural support is most needed, such as the tongue, throat region, and areas subject to torsional forces. This localized reinforcement provides strength where required while minimizing overall weight compared to fully metal construction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hitch steps are made from metal to provide structural support, then stability is improved, but impact absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The use of polymeric material changes the mechanical parameters of the hitch step, providing inherent flexibility and energy absorption capabilities that metal lacks. The polymer can deform elastically during impact, absorbing energy without transmitting full force to the vehicle frame, while still maintaining structural stability through the embedded metal reinforcements.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of polymer and metal allows the material system to exhibit both stability (from the metal framework) and impact absorption (from the polymer matrix), resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
3Strength
If hitch steps use metal reinforcements to resist torque, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Metal reinforcements are placed only in critical areas where torque resistance is needed, such as the tongue and throat region, rather than throughout the entire hitch step structure. This localized approach provides necessary strength while minimizing weight addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer material acts as a flexible shell that encases and protects the metal reinforcements, providing structural integrity while allowing the overall structure to remain lightweight compared to solid metal construction.
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
The polymeric hitch step effectively absorbs impact forces, maintaining structural integrity and reducing weight, allowing for a safer and more efficient use of space in vehicles while providing a stable platform for users.
Implementation Method 1
the hitch step, to be commercially acceptable, has to withstand the application of the weight of an adult at an off-axis position without unacceptable torsional or cantilever deformation. Prior hitch steps therefore add considerable weight to the vehicle and their ability to absorb, rather than transmit, impacts from the rear of the vehicle is limited.
Implementation Method 2
The reinforcing plates of the throat region are so disposed that they will resist torque around the axis caused by the weight of a user imposed on a step body top surface at a transversely off-axis location.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer hitch step, molded of a first material, has a reinforcing member formed of a second material. The reinforcing member is vertically disposed along an axis and extends from the step body through the throat region.