Powered Trailer Hitch Vertical Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vertically adjustable trailer hitches are complex, prone to failure, and require excessive storage and movement space, limiting their effectiveness and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A powered trailer hitch apparatus with a compact design, featuring a casing-mounted ram with a piston and extension member, allowing for easy installation and minimal storage space, utilizing a hydraulic actuator assembly for vertical adjustment and coupling to trailers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vertically adjustable trailer hitches are used, then vertical adjustment capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of sub-components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the vertical adjustment mechanism and the hitch assembly into a single integrated powered hitch unit. The housing contains the motor, gear mechanism, and hitch components in one compact assembly, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing the overall number of parts while maintaining vertical adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The powered hitch unit performs multiple functions within a single device: it provides vertical adjustment, maintains hitch positioning, and enables trailer coupling/descoupling. The integrated design allows one component to fulfill roles that traditionally required multiple separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vertically adjustable trailer hitches are used, then vertical adjustment capability is achieved, but reliability worsens due to increased failure points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical adjustment capabilityVSAvoidfailure resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the adjustment mechanism and hitch assembly into one unit with fewer external connection points and moving parts, the patent reduces the number of potential failure points. The sealed housing protects internal components from environmental damage, further improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vertically adjustable trailer hitches are used, then vertical adjustment capability is achieved, but storage space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstorage space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch components are nested within a compact housing structure. The extension arm and hitch ball are positioned within or adjacent to the motor housing, creating a space-efficient configuration that minimizes the overall volume required for storage and installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vertically adjustable trailer hitches are used, then vertical adjustment capability is achieved, but ease of operation worsens due to complex controls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcontrol simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electric motor-driven system. The motor is controlled by a simple switch or control unit that automatically performs the adjustment, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of complex mechanical components and significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 powered trailer hitch provides a reliable, space-efficient solution for coupling vehicles to trailers, ensuring easy access to the cargo area and reducing the risk of failure compared to traditional hitches.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic actuator assembly for vertical adjustment and coupling to trailers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuator: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11458786B2Powered trailer hitch

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 SCHIEBER TERRY

AI summary

A powered trailer hitch apparatus is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a casing fixedly mounted to a frame of the vehicle and a ram at least partially disposed within the casing. The ram includes an extension member and a trailer-connecting member. The trailer-connecting member is external to the casing and fixed to an end of the extension member. The trailer-connecting member is configured to be selectively coupled to the trailer.