Rotatable Hitch Connector Body for Quick Adapter Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitching apparatuses for vehicles lack compatibility between different types of machinery, requiring frequent changes and a large inventory of connectors, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially in agricultural environments where multiple changes are necessary throughout the day.
Innovation Solution
A hitching apparatus with a body that supports multiple connector arrangements, allowing for easy switching between different types of connectors without significant modification, featuring rotatable arm portions that can be configured to accommodate various hitch connectors, including ball and pin types, with a retaining system to secure the selected connector in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single hitch connector type is used on the towing vehicle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different trailers is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hitching apparatus is designed with a universal body structure that can accommodate multiple types of connector arrangements (ball connectors, pin connectors, etc.) through a single mounting interface. The body includes a threaded shaft that can receive different connector types, making one hitching apparatus suitable for various trailer configurations without requiring multiple specialized connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitching apparatus is divided into separable components: a body portion that remains mounted on the towing vehicle and connector arrangements that can be independently changed. This segmentation allows the user to keep the main hitching structure while swapping only the connector type needed for the current trailer, reducing the need to replace entire hitching assemblies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hitch connector types are maintained in inventory, then the adaptability to different trailers is improved, but the quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the body with a universal mounting mechanism that accepts multiple connector types, the need to maintain large inventories of different hitch connectors is reduced. Users only need to stock the connector arrangements themselves rather than complete hitching assemblies, significantly reducing inventory requirements while maintaining compatibility with various trailers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent changes between connector arrangements are made, then the adaptability to different trailers is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the body from the connector arrangements enables quick changes by allowing users to simply detach and replace only the connector portion rather than disassembling entire hitching assemblies. This segmentation dramatically reduces the time required for connector changes while maintaining the ability to adapt to different trailer types.
Solution Approach 2:
The body is pre-configured with mounting features (threaded shaft, retention mechanisms) that anticipate future connector changes. This preliminary preparation of the mounting interface allows for rapid connector swaps without requiring complex assembly or adjustment procedures, minimizing downtime during connector changes.
4Strength
If a retaining system is added to secure connectors, then the strength of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is merged with the body structure itself rather than being a separate component. The threaded shaft and retention features are integrated into the body design, providing secure connector retention while avoiding the addition of separate complex retention systems. This integration maintains connection strength without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch apparatus is provided for use with a vehicle for providing multiple connector arrangement options. The hitching apparatus may include a body configured for providing first and second arm portions for supporting a respective hitch connector. The body is configured so that each first and second arm portions both extend away from an axis about which the body is selectively rotatable so as to provide a selected hitch connector (ie. selected by way of rotation of the body) in a loading position for connection with a hitch socket provided with a towable platform.