Recessed Draw Bar Hitch Assembly for Tailgate Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hitch assemblies interfere with the MultiPro tailgate assembly when lowered, causing denting or scratching due to insufficient clearance for the hitch ball mount, and lack a stowing feature that requires removal of the hitch ball mount and hitch balls for storage.

Innovation Solution

A hitch assembly with a draw bar having a recessed upper portion and a shaft connected to the draw bar, allowing vertical adjustment and stowing without removing the hitch ball mount, and featuring a design that prevents interference with the MultiPro tailgate by maintaining a reduced profile when the tailgate is lowered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a draw bar with sufficient height is used to accommodate the hitch ball mount, then the hitch ball mount can be securely attached, but it interferes with the MultiPro tailgate assembly when lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of hitch ball mountVSAvoidinterference with tailgate assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The draw bar is designed with a recessed upper portion that creates a reduced profile in the vertical dimension, allowing the tailgate to pass through without interference while maintaining the structural integrity needed for secure hitch ball mount attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The draw bar features a recessed upper portion specifically at the location that interacts with the tailgate, while maintaining full structural depth in other areas to ensure secure attachment of the hitch ball mount. This localized modification resolves the contradiction by applying different geometric properties to different regions of the same component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the hitch ball mount is designed to be removable for storage, then storage space is optimized, but the complexity of assembly and disassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capabilityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch ball mount is designed to be dynamically repositionable along the draw bar while remaining permanently attached, eliminating the need for complete removal and reinstallation. The mount can be adjusted to a stowed position against the draw bar when not in use, providing storage capability without the complexity of disassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The draw bar structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the hitch ball mount, allows vertical adjustment of the mount, and provides a surface for the mount to rest against during storage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11833869B2Hitch assembly with a recessed draw bar

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 B & W CUSTOM TRUCK BEDS

AI summary

A hitch assembly adapted for securement in a tube receiver connected to a towing vehicle below its bumper includes a hitch base with a recessed profile. The hitch base includes a shaft sized for reception in the tube receiver and a draw bar connected to the shaft. The shaft is connected at a first end to an upper portion of the draw bar. The draw bar includes a plurality of pin receiving apertures extending laterally through a lower portion of the draw bar in vertical spaced alignment. The upper portion of the draw bar includes a recessed geometry or reduced profile relative to the lower portion of the draw bar.