Rotating Hitch Receiver for Rear Access Without Payload Sway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch-mounted systems for vehicles lack efficient mechanisms to rotate payloads around a vertical axis while preventing horizontal rotation and translation, limiting access and storage options.
Innovation Solution
A coupling apparatus comprising a hitch bar, a rotatable hitch bar receiver, and a rotation apparatus that includes a vertical axle housing and bearings to rotate the hitch bar receiver about a vertical axis, while preventing horizontal rotation and translation, allowing for secure and versatile payload positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hitch-mounted system allows rotation of payloads, then access to rear vehicle compartments is improved, but horizontal rotation and translation control becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic rotation mechanism that allows the payload to rotate about a vertical axis when needed for access, while incorporating constraints that prevent unwanted horizontal rotation and translation. The rotation apparatus includes a vertical axle housed in a housing with bearings, allowing controlled rotational movement while maintaining stability through anti-rattle mechanisms and translation prevention features.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotation apparatus is added to enable vertical axis rotation, then storage versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation apparatus is designed as a multi-functional component that combines vertical axis rotation capability with horizontal rotation prevention and translation constraints in a single integrated assembly. The vertical axle housing incorporates bearings for rotation, anti-rattle mechanisms for stability, and interface features for attachment to the hitch bar, allowing one component to perform multiple functions and reduce overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the payload is made rotatable about a vertical axis, then access capability is improved, but stability during travel may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates preliminary stabilization actions through anti-rattle mechanisms and translation prevention features that are built into the rotation apparatus. These features proactively maintain payload stability during travel by preventing unwanted movements before they can occur, while still allowing controlled rotation about the vertical axis when the vehicle is stationary or during normal operation.
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 access to rear vehicle compartments by rotating payloads around a vertical axis, enhancing storage and access capabilities for hitch-mounted loads, such as bicycles and sports equipment, while maintaining stability during travel.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation apparatus operatively coupled between the hitch bar and the rotatable hitch bar receiver, configured to rotate the rotatable hitch bar receiver about a vertical axis relative to the hitch bar while preventing rotation of the rotatable hitch bar receiver about a horizontal axis and preventing translation of the rotatable hitch bar receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling apparatus for rotating a hitch bar load relative to a major axis of a vehicle includes a hitch bar configured to couple to a vehicle hitch bar receiver, a rotation apparatus operatively coupled to the hitch bar and configured to rotate a rotatable hitch bar receiver relative to a major axis of the hitch bar and the vehicle. According to an embodiment, the load may be directly coupled to the rotation apparatus.