Single Pin Load Sensor for Hitch Receiver Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face challenges in measuring load characteristics at the trailer hitch receiver due to packaging constraints, making it impractical to mount two load sensing pins in vehicles with limited space, such as those with spare tires or bumper covers.
Innovation Solution
A single load sensing pin is mounted internally within the crossbar or hitch receiver, coupled to a hitch pin load manager that processes load signals and uses camera data to determine loading conditions, allowing for robust data capture and reduced packaging size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two load sensing pins are mounted externally to measure load characteristics, then measurement accuracy is improved, but packaging space requirements increase making it impractical for vehicles with spare tires or bumper covers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (vertical load, longitudinal load, lateral load, and torque measurement) into a single load sensing pin mounted internally within the crossbar. This merging of functions allows the system to maintain comprehensive load measurement capabilities while reducing the number of external components needed, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and packaging space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The single load sensing pin is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously - it can measure vertical loads, longitudinal loads, lateral loads, and torque. This multi-functionality allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors, enabling accurate load characterization while minimizing packaging space
2Volume of moving object
If a single load sensing pin is used internally, then packaging space is reduced, but measurement capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs strain gauge sensors that convert mechanical deformation (strain) into electrical signals. By changing the physical parameter being measured from direct force to strain, the system can achieve accurate load measurement through a single internal pin. The strain gauges detect subtle deformations in the pin caused by various load components, maintaining measurement precision while enabling compact internal mounting
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 accurate measurement of load and torque loads at the trailer hitch receiver using a single pin, overcoming space constraints and providing reliable loading data to the vehicle's systems, including visual and auditory alerts for the driver.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensing pin disposed in a cavity of a crossbar that is to couple the hitch receiver to the vehicle, where the load sensing pin is to measure a load transferred from the hitch receiver to the crossbar
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to facilitate a single pin load sensor coupled to a hitch receiver, the sensor to measure one or more loads on the hitch receiver. An example apparatus includes a load sensing pin coupled to a hitch receiver of a vehicle, the load sensing pin disposed in a cavity of a crossbar that is to couple the hitch receiver to the vehicle, wherein the load sensing pin is to measure a load transferred from the hitch receiver to the crossbar.