Rotatable Hitch Receiver Stowed in Rear Bumper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hitch receiver apparatuses for vehicles protrude downwards when not in use, necessitating a hitch cover that increases weight, cost, and reduces design freedom, while also decreasing ground clearance and being prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A hitch receiver apparatus with a storage box integrated into the rear bumper, featuring a hitch guide-hole and a rotatable hitch receiver that can be stored inside the rear end panel when not in use, eliminating the need for a hitch cover and incorporating a latch system for secure deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hitch receiver is fixedly coupled to the rear back beam, then the hitch receiver provides stable towing function, but the hitch receiver constantly protrudes downwards requiring a hitch cover that increases weight and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch receiver is changed from a fixed coupling to a rotatable coupling mechanism. The receiver can rotate between a horizontal position (protruding for towing) and a vertical position (retracted for storage). This dynamic positioning eliminates the need for a hitch cover, reducing weight while maintaining towing reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch receiver is extracted from the fixed position and made movable through the rotatable coupling. By separating the towing function from the constant protrusion, the receiver can be taken out only when needed, eliminating the requirement for protective covers and reducing overall vehicle weight.
2Reliability
If the hitch receiver is fixedly coupled to the rear back beam, then the hitch receiver provides stable towing function, but the use of a hitch cover decreases ground clearance and is prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable coupling allows the hitch receiver to be positioned vertically (retracted) when not in use, eliminating the need for a hitch cover and thereby preventing ground contact damage. When towing is required, the receiver rotates to horizontal position for stable operation.
3Reliability
If the hitch receiver is fixedly coupled to the rear back beam, then the hitch receiver provides stable towing function, but the coupling increases the backward protrusion of the hitch cover decreasing design freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable coupling mechanism allows the hitch receiver to be positioned in different orientations. When vertical, it does not protrude backwards, providing design freedom. When horizontal, it provides stable towing function. This resolves the contradiction between stability and design freedom.
4Strength
If reinforcement members are added to connect the receiver bracket to side members, then the strength of the hitch receiver is reinforced, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable coupling mechanism is designed to bear loads dynamically. The coupling structure itself provides sufficient strength through its rotational joint design, eliminating the need for additional reinforcement members and thereby reducing weight while maintaining hitch receiver strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch receiver apparatus for a vehicle may include a hitch guide-hole formed in a storage box provided in an inner space of a rear bumper, the hitch guide-hole extending in a traverse direction of the vehicle; and a hitch receiver rotatably coupled to the storage box and selectively is received into or taken out through the hitch guide-hole.