Retractable Hitch Adaptor System for Trailer Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer hitch systems do not provide a retractable mechanism to safely and conveniently store the hitch ball in a lowered orientation and extend it to a raised orientation for use.
Innovation Solution
A retractable hitch adaptor system comprising a movable assembly with a reciprocable sub-assembly and a pivotable sub-assembly, including a tubular housing, a block, a trailer hitch ball, and a pivot sleeve, which allows the hitch ball to be retracted and extended through a combination of reciprocable and pivotable movements facilitated by a coil spring and locking pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional trailer hitch system is used, then the hitch ball is always visible and accessible, but it cannot be stored when not in use and poses safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch ball is made dynamic through a reciprocable mechanism that allows it to move between an extended position (for use) and a retracted position (for storage). The tubular housing and block assembly enable the hitch ball to be pulled in and pushed out along the longitudinal axis, transforming a static component into a movable one that adapts to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch ball assembly is nested within the tubular housing, which itself is reciprocable within the receiver tube. This nested structure allows the hitch ball to be stored inside the housing when not in use, and the housing to be stored inside the receiver when the hitch ball is retracted, creating a compact nested storage configuration that eliminates safety hazards.
2Ease of operation
If a retractable mechanism is added to the hitch system, then storage convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable hitch system is divided into distinct functional segments: the receiver tube (fixed to vehicle), the tubular housing (reciprocable within receiver), the block (reciprocable within housing), and the hitch ball (pivotable on block). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall mechanism while enabling complex retractable and pivotable movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The block serves as an intermediary component between the tubular housing and the hitch ball. It translates the reciprocable movement of the housing into motion that enables the hitch ball to be extended and retracted. The pivot sleeve acts as an intermediary that converts linear motion into rotational motion, allowing the hitch ball to pivot between vertical and horizontal orientations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hitch ball is made pivotable and reciprocable, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the hitch ball assembly: it can reciprocate (move in and out), pivot (rotate between vertical and horizontal positions), and lock in multiple orientations. This combination of movements provides versatile position adjustment capabilities while using relatively simple mechanical components that can be manufactured using conventional processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch ball assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform multiple operations: extending for use, retracting for storage, pivoting to vertical orientation for towing, pivoting to horizontal orientation for storage, and locking in various positions. This universal design allows a single component to replace multiple separate mechanisms, potentially reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
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
Enables safe, convenient, and economical storage and use of the trailer hitch ball by allowing it to be easily retracted for storage and extended for use, maintaining durability and reliability while reducing manufacturing and sales costs.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring and locking pin
Data Source
AI summary
A movable assembly is formed of a reciprocable sub-assembly and a pivotable sub-assembly. The reciprocable sub-assembly has a tubular housing. The tubular housing is reciprocable within a receiver. The reciprocable sub-assembly has a block reciprocable within the housing. The pivotable sub-assembly has a trailer hitch ball and a pivot sleeve. A neck fixedly couples the trailer hitch ball and the pivot sleeve.