Selective Tow Ball Hitch with Rotating Cylinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch systems require users to purchase new ball hitch mounts for different trailer coupler sizes, and existing multi-ball systems are cumbersome and prone to improper installation, posing safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A hitch system with multiple rotatably coupled tow balls and a spring pin mechanism that allows users to easily select and lock the desired tow ball size without removing the hitch from the vehicle, using a coupling member, spring pin bracket, and rotatable cylinder for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single tow ball is mounted on the hitch mount, then the hitch system is simple and reliable, but it cannot accommodate different sized trailer couplers without replacing the entire hitch system
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system is segmented into a stationary coupling member and a rotatable cylinder with multiple tow balls. This allows the tow ball selection to be separated from the main hitch mounting, enabling versatility without requiring replacement of the entire hitch system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder is made rotatable about the shaft, allowing dynamic selection of different tow balls. The spring pin mechanism provides selective locking at different rotational positions, enabling the system to adapt between multiple configurations while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple pins are used to secure the hitch mount to the vehicle, then the hitch system is securely attached, but removing and reattaching the entire system is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the tow ball selection mechanism from the main hitch mounting. The cylinder with multiple tow balls can be independently rotated and locked into position without affecting the secure attachment of the coupling member to the vehicle, enabling quick tow ball changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring pin acts as an intermediary locking mechanism that secures the rotatable cylinder at specific positions without requiring removal of the main hitch pins. This intermediary mechanism enables rapid tow ball selection while maintaining the secure attachment of the overall hitch system.
3Ease of operation
If the hitch system is designed for easy tow ball selection, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of improper installation and safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring pin mechanism is designed to self-lock into the shaft aperture and cylinder aperture, providing automatic positioning and locking. The spring bias ensures the pin engages properly with the apertures, reducing the risk of improper installation while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring pin provides tactile and visual feedback when properly engaged with the apertures. The spring force creates a distinct engagement sensation, and the horizontal portion's engagement with the bracket provides confirmation of correct installation, reducing safety hazards.
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 convenient and safe interchange of tow balls without uninstalling the hitch, reducing the risk of improper installation and the need for multiple hitch systems, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a spring pin lower end inserted through the shaft aperture and one of the plurality of cylinder apertures, the spring pin biased toward the cylinder such that the spring pin exerts a force against the horizontal portion of the spring pin bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch with selective tow ball. The hitch with selective tow ball includes a coupling member configured to be received by a vehicle's tow box. A spring pin bracket including a spring pin is connected to the coupling member. A shaft extending from the spring pin bracket includes shaft aperture thereon. A cylinder includes a plurality of selection apertures and a channel extending therethrough. The shaft is inserted through the rear end of the channel, and the cylinder is rotatable about the shaft. The spring pin is inserted through the shaft aperture and one of the plurality of selection apertures, and the spring pin is biased toward the cylinder. A plurality of tow balls are disposed on the front end of the cylinder. The spring pin can be pulled upward to permit rotation of the shaft and then released into a desired selection aperture corresponding to the desired tow ball.