Rotatable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount with Tool-Free Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer hitch ball mount assemblies lack versatility in accommodating different trailer sizes and vehicle heights, require tools for size changes, and do not have a convenient stowed position for storage.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable ball mount apparatus with multiple hitch balls and a locking pin system that allows for easy size changes by hand, combined with a height adjustment mechanism and a stowed position, enabling seamless adaptation to various trailer and vehicle configurations without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hitch balls are provided on a rotatable block, then versatility for different trailer sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable block serves multiple functions by providing two or more hitch balls of different sizes on a single assembly. This allows one device to accommodate different trailer sizes, eliminating the need for multiple separate ball mounts and improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable block can rotate between different positions to present different hitch balls for use. This dynamic capability allows the single block to serve multiple purposes, providing adaptability for different trailer configurations while maintaining a compact single-unit structure.
2Reliability
If a locking pin system is used to secure different ball positions, then reliability of ball selection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin system is designed to be manually operable without tools, allowing the user to secure the selected ball position through simple hand operation. The system serves itself by using the user's manual input to engage or disengage the locking mechanism, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a drop bar with rotatable block assembly is used, then adaptability to different vehicle heights is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The block assembly is designed to rotate between a towing position and a stowed position on the drop bar. This dynamic capability allows the same mechanism to serve multiple functions: adjusting height for different vehicles and providing a compact stowed position when not in use, thereby improving adaptability without requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the block assembly can be rotated to a stowed position, then ease of storage is improved, but reliability of towing function may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The block assembly can dynamically switch between a stowed position for convenient storage and a towing position for functional use. The locking pin system ensures that when in the towing position, the assembly is securely locked, maintaining reliability. The same mechanism that enables easy stowing also ensures secure towing through proper locking engagement.
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 easy, tool-free switching between different ball sizes and height adjustments, ensuring secure connections and convenient storage, enhancing usability and adaptability for various trailer and vehicle combinations.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element positioned in the rotatable block which biases the locking pin toward the forward locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A ball mount apparatus, for hitching a trailer to a vehicle, which can include up to three or more hitch balls of different size connected to a ball block which can be locked, unlocked, and rotated manually, without the use of tools, for positioning a selected ball for use. The ball block can also be rotated by hand between a rearwardly extending towing position and a forwardly extending stowed position.