Rotatable Hitch Assembly for Tool-Free Trailer Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fleet operations, the mismatch between trailer and vehicle hitches leads to significant time spent searching for a compatible hitch, and existing interchangeable hitch solutions require tools and time for installation, complicating the process of attaching trailers to vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable hitch assembly featuring a rotatable hitch member with multiple hitches, including a lunette-eye hitch and ball hitch, mounted on a post that can be rotated and locked into position within a tubular base, allowing for quick selection and attachment without tools, with a locking mechanism to secure the chosen hitch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hitches are provided separately on a trailer, then hitch compatibility is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hitches of different types (ball hitch, lunette eye hitch, gooseneck hitch) are merged into a single rotatable hitch member that can present any of the hitches in a forward-facing position for attachment to the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch member serves multiple functions by incorporating different hitch types in radial positions around its circumference, allowing it to adapt to various vehicle hitch configurations without requiring separate hitch assemblies
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable hitches are bolted onto the trailer, then hitch compatibility is improved, but installation time and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hitches are pre-positioned on the rotatable hitch member in radial orientations during manufacturing, so that when the hitch member rotates to the forward-facing position, the appropriate hitch is already in place and ready for immediate attachment to the vehicle without requiring bolt-on installation
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch member is designed to rotate dynamically between different radial positions, allowing quick switching between hitch types by simply rotating the member to the desired orientation and locking it in place, eliminating the need for time-consuming bolt-on installation
Data Source
AI summary
An interchangeable hitch assembly including a hitch member supported on a hitch post, the hitch member including plural hitches each in a separate radial position, where the hitch member is rotable to place one of the hitches in a selected position for attachment, a locking assembly adapted to hold the one of the hitches in said selected position.