Self-Locating Securement Pin for Hitch Rack Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch-rack load carrier systems face challenges in securely attaching to vehicle hitches of varying sizes, particularly due to mismatches in dimensions between the hitch and the carrier rack, which can lead to instability and safety concerns during transportation of sports equipment like bicycles.
Innovation Solution
The insert bar assembly incorporates a self-locating securement pin with a flexible or rigid design, coupled via a hinge or other mechanism, and an expander mechanism to accommodate different hitch sizes, ensuring repetitive and secure attachment. Additionally, an adapter assembly allows for connection between a hitch of one size and a carrier designed for another.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard pin insertion method is used, then the attachment process is simple, but the securement is difficult and unreliable due to size mismatches between hitch and carrier
Solution Approach 1:
The securement pin is designed with self-aligning features including a tapered leading end that automatically guides the pin into the correct orientation and position, and a self-centering mechanism that ensures repetitive same location positioning without requiring precise manual alignment or strong physical effort from the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The pin incorporates a flexible section that allows it to bend and adapt to size variations between different hitch and carrier combinations, enabling the pin to maintain proper engagement geometry despite dimensional mismatches, thereby achieving reliable securement across varying parameters
2Adaptability or versatility
If the carrier rack is designed for a specific size hitch, then the connection is precise, but the adapter cannot be used with hitches of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The securement pin is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple hitch sizes (1.25 inches and 2 inches) through its flexible section and self-aligning features, eliminating the need for different pin designs for different hitch-carrier size combinations while maintaining precise connection geometry
3Adaptability or versatility
If the receiver on the vehicle hitch is larger than the insert portion of the carrier rack, then the carrier can fit smaller hitches, but the connection becomes unstable and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible section of the pin allows it to change its shape and accommodate size variations between the hitch receiver and carrier rack insert portion, maintaining stable and secure connection geometry across different size combinations by adapting to the specific dimensional parameters of each pairing
Data Source
AI summary
An insert bar assembly for a hitch-rack carrier comprises a self-locating securement pin. The insert bar assembly can comprise an elongate hitch-attachment bar which in turn comprises a hitch-receiver insert portion located at an insertable end of the bar. The assembly can include a flexible securement pin or a rigid securement pin resiliently joined to the bar at a fixed distance from the engagement end of the pin. The assembly accommodates repetitive, same location positioning of the engagement end of the pin at a pin-tip facing surface on the bar in the pin-secured configuration of the insert bar assembly.