Reconfigurable Trailer Hitch with Modular Weight Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch systems face challenges in safely and efficiently managing tongue weight distribution, particularly when the tongue weight exceeds the vehicle's load capacity, leading to instability and safety concerns, with weight-distribution hitches being complex and heavy, while standard ball mounts are simpler but less effective.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch assembly that can be easily converted between a standard ball hitch and a weight distribution hitch using a shank, ball attachment bracket, and a distribution block with arm socket attachments, allowing for the addition of spring arms for weight distribution, and featuring removable components for quick adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a weight-distribution hitch is used to properly distribute tongue weight, then safety and performance are improved, but device complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The weight-distribution hitch is divided into separate modular components: a distribution block with arm sockets, spring arms, and a standard ball hitch assembly. These segments can be independently attached or detached from the shank, allowing users to configure the system based on tongue weight requirements while maintaining a simple base unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The distribution block can be attached to or removed from the shank, and spring arms can be connected or disconnected, enabling the hitch to adapt its complexity level based on operational needs rather than being permanently fixed in one configuration.
2Reliability
If a weight-distribution hitch is used to distribute tongue weight, then performance is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy weight-distribution components are segmented into detachable parts that can be removed when not needed. The distribution block and spring arms form a separate assembly that can be detached from the lighter shank and ball hitch components, reducing overall system weight during operations where full weight distribution is not required.
3Device complexity
If a standard ball mount hitch is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to handle high tongue weight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shank and ball hitch assembly serve as a universal base that can function in two modes: as a simple ball hitch for light loads, or as part of a weight-distribution system for heavy loads. This multi-functionality allows the same core components to adapt to different tongue weight scenarios without requiring entirely different hitches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system's adaptability is enhanced through dynamic reconfiguration. The distribution block can be attached to or removed from the shank, allowing the hitch to transition between simple and complex configurations based on the tongue weight of the trailer being towed.
4Reliability
If weight-distribution components are permanently integrated, then weight distribution capability is ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The weight-distribution components are segmented into detachable units with standardized connection interfaces. The distribution block features alignment pins and pin openings that interface with corresponding features on the shank and ball attachment bracket, enabling quick attachment and removal without specialized tools or complex procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer hitch assembly includes a shank, coupleable to a receiver carried by a towing vehicle. A ball attachment bracket is attachable to the shank. A ball assembly is receivable within the ball attachment bracket, the ball assembly capable of mating with a trailer coupler carried by a trailer to be towed. A distribution block is attachable to one or both the ball attachment bracket or the shank. The distribution block has arm socket attachments to allow coupling of a pair of arm sockets to the distribution block, each of the arm sockets capable of receiving one of a pair of spring arms attachable to the trailer to be towed. The distribution block is removable from each of the ball attachment bracket and the shank while the ball attachment bracket remains operably coupled to the shank for use as a standard ball hitch assembly.