Sliding Hitch Ball Assembly for Accurate Trailer Tongue Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch systems lack an effective means to measure tongue weight accurately, leading to potential trailer sway or overloading of the tow vehicle's rear tires, which can compromise steering and braking.
Innovation Solution
A weight measuring hitch ball assembly that includes a hitch ball with a load measurement device to determine the magnitude of the force acting on it, and a retention coupling to secure the hitch ball to the body portion, allowing for slidable movement to measure the force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional hitch ball assembly is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but there is no means to measure tongue weight accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hitch ball, load measurement device, and retention coupling into a single integrated assembly. The load measurement device is positioned to measure force directly on the hitch ball, while the retention coupling secures the ball within the assembly, eliminating the need for separate measurement and retention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The load measurement device acts as an intermediary between the hitch ball and the force applied to it. The device includes a load cell or sensor that converts mechanical force into an electrical signal, providing accurate tongue weight measurement without directly interfering with the hitch ball's function.
2Reliability
If the hitch ball is securely fixed to prevent movement, then retention is strong, but slidable movement is prevented which is needed for force measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The retention coupling is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow controlled movement. The coupling includes features such as a retaining ring or clip that permits the hitch ball to slide along the ball holder during normal operation, while still preventing complete removal. This dynamic design enables both secure retention and the necessary movement for load measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention coupling is divided into separate functional elements: a securing mechanism (such as a retaining ring) and a guiding structure (such as a slot or channel). This segmentation allows the ball to move freely within the guided path while the securing mechanism prevents detachment, providing both retention and measurement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A weight measuring hitch ball assembly is described. The assembly can include a hitch ball having a ball and a lower portion. The assembly can also include a body portion defining a hitch ball opening that slidably receives the lower portion of the hitch ball. The assembly can further include a load measurement device operably associated with the body portion and the hitch ball to determine a magnitude of a force acting on the hitch ball. Additionally, the assembly can include a retention coupling operable with the hitch ball and the body portion to secure the hitch ball to the body portion. The retention coupling can have a retention protrusion and a retention wall defining at least a portion of a retention opening operable to receive at least a portion of the retention protrusion therein. With the retention protrusion extending into the retention opening, the retention wall can provide a mechanical barrier to the retention protrusion that prevents removal of the hitch ball from the hitch ball opening. The retention opening can be configured to facilitate slidable movement of the hitch ball within the hitch ball opening sufficient to determine the magnitude of the force acting on the hitch ball.