Segmented Lock Rod and Tapered Channel Hitch Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch pin lock systems fail to securely attach hitch baskets or trailers to vehicles, leading to movement and wobbling during vehicle motion due to inadequate design and material choices.
Innovation Solution
A hitch pin lock system comprising a lock rod with multiple sections of varying diameters and a locking member with a tapered channel to securely engage the lock rod, reducing wobbling by using materials such as metals, composites, and plastics, and incorporating a threaded section for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight metal rod is used as a hitch pin lock, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lock rod moves and wobbles during vehicle motion, failing to securely attach the hitch basket or trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The lock rod is divided into multiple sections with varying diameters rather than being a uniform straight rod. This segmentation allows different portions of the lock rod to engage with corresponding features in the locking member, creating multiple contact points that prevent movement and wobbling while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the lock rod have different diameters tailored to fit specific regions within the locking member. This local variation in geometry ensures optimal engagement at each position, providing secure attachment and eliminating the wobbling problem that occurs with uniform-diameter rods.
2Device complexity
If a cylindrical lock is used, then the structure is simple, but it does not effectively prevent movement and wobbling of the lock rod during vehicle motion
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member incorporates a tapered channel divided into multiple zones that correspond to the segmented lock rod. Each zone of the tapered channel engages with a specific section of the lock rod, creating progressive engagement that stabilizes the assembly during vehicle motion without requiring an overly complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered channel in the locking member provides a curved, conical engagement surface that works in conjunction with the segmented lock rod. This tapered geometry creates increasing contact pressure along the length of the engagement, effectively preventing movement and wobbling while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform diameter sections are used for the lock rod, then manufacturing is easier, but the fit within the locking member is inadequate, leading to movement and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The lock rod features non-uniform diameter sections where each portion is precisely sized to match corresponding zones in the tapered channel of the locking member. This local customization of dimensions ensures optimal fit and engagement at each position, achieving high precision without requiring uniformly tight tolerances across the entire rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The diameter parameter of the lock rod is deliberately varied along its length to match the geometry of the tapered channel. This parameter change from uniform to variable diameter allows the lock rod to achieve precise engagement with the locking member, improving fit quality while remaining manufacturable through standard machining processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch system is described for coupling an object to a vehicle hitch. The hitch system can have a connector adapted to connect to a vehicle hitch having a connector channel that passes through the connector and has an internal threaded section; a lock rod having, a first section wherein at least a portion of the first section is threaded wherein the internal threaded section of the connector are adapted to receive the threads of the first section of the lock rod and a second section; and a locking member having a first locking member channel having an inside diameter and an outside diameter wherein the inside diameter of the locking member channel is smaller than the diameter of the second section and a lock to move between a locked position and an opened position wherein the second section of the lock rod is secured to the locking member when the second section is disposed within the locking member channel and the lock is in the locked position and is removable when the lock is in the opened position.