Retractable Hitch Receiver Integrating Rear Back Beam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hitch receiver apparatuses increase weight and cost due to the need for a separate hitch cover and reinforcing members, and limit design freedom by protruding under the rear back beam, reducing vehicle height and rigidity.

Innovation Solution

A hitch receiver apparatus that integrates a hitch guide connected to the car body panel through a rear back beam, allowing the hitch receiver to move up/down along the guide, positioning it within the back beam when not in use and protruding under the beam when used as a trailer, eliminating the need for a hitch cover and incorporating a locking mechanism to prevent protrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hitch receiver is connected to a rear back beam and protrudes under the beam, then the trailer function is achieved, but the vehicle weight increases and design freedom is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailer functionVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch receiver is integrated with the rear back beam structure, merging two separate components into one unified assembly. This eliminates the need for additional reinforcing members and hitch covers, thereby reducing overall vehicle weight while maintaining the trailer towing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hitch receiver is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the trailer towing function when needed, and simultaneously acts as a structural component of the rear back beam. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reinforcing members, reducing weight while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Shape

If a hitch cover is added to cover the protruding hitch receiver, then aesthetics are improved, but the vehicle height is decreased and the cover is easily damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaestheticsVSAvoidvehicle height

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch receiver is merged with the rear back beam structure, eliminating the need for a separate hitch cover. This integration maintains aesthetics without requiring an additional component that would reduce vehicle height or be susceptible to damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If reinforcing members are added to strengthen the hitch receiver, then structural strength is improved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehitch receiver strengthVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch receiver is integrated with the rear back beam structure, merging the functions of the hitch receiver and reinforcing members into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for additional reinforcing members, thereby maintaining structural strength while reducing vehicle weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rear back beam structure is designed to serve dual purposes: it provides the structural reinforcement needed for the hitch receiver, and simultaneously serves as the main beam structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reinforcing members, reducing both weight and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the hitch receiver protrudes under the rear back beam, then the trailer function is enabled, but the degree of freedom in vehicle design is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailer functionVSAvoidvehicle design freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch receiver is merged with the rear back beam structure, creating a unified assembly that simplifies the overall vehicle design. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and their associated mounting structures, thereby increasing design freedom while maintaining trailer functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated structure serves multiple functions: it provides the trailer towing capability and simultaneously acts as the rear back beam structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the design and increasing freedom in vehicle configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8720932B2Hitch receiver apparatus for vehicle

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A hitch receiver apparatus for a vehicle is provided in which a hitch receiver is disposed without being directly connected with a rear back beam, such that the hitch receiver is kept in the rear back beam when not being used, and the hitch receiver protrudes down under the rear back beam when using the function of a trailer.