Sloped Hitch Channel With Pivot Mount for Tool-Free Accessory Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing accessories face difficulties in alignment and weight management during installation, as well as limited access to the rear of the vehicle due to their design, which requires users to lift and align them with the receiver tube at a low level, and they often interfere with tailgate or hatch motion.
Innovation Solution
A quick mount hitch connection featuring a sloped channel structure with a pivot bearing and securing connector, allowing accessories to be easily pivoted and flipped between usage and storage positions without tools, enabling better access and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a square longitudinally-extending receiver tube is used for mounting towing accessories, then the accessory can be securely attached to the vehicle, but the user must achieve alignment and slide the accessory in the longitudinal direction while lifting the entire weight of the accessory at a low level (12 inches above pavement), making alignment difficult and straining the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional insertion direction by using a channel structure that slopes upward from the rear of the vehicle. Instead of sliding the accessory forward into a horizontal receiver tube, the accessory is inserted upward through a channel that rises at an angle of 10-45 degrees from horizontal, allowing the user to work from a more ergonomic position while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the insertion dimension from horizontal (traditional receiver tube) to upward-sloping (channel structure). The channel extends upwardly and rearwardly at an angle, transforming the installation motion from a low-level horizontal slide to an upward motion that improves user alignment and reduces strain
2Ease of operation
If the accessory extends upwardly above the receiver tube height, then the accessory can be positioned for use, but it interferes with the arc of motion of the tailgate or hatch, making access to the rear of the vehicle difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pivot bearing that allows the accessory to dynamically pivot between a raised operating position and a lowered stowed position. This dynamic capability enables the accessory to adapt to different vehicle configurations, clearing the tailgate or hatch arc when lowered while maintaining its elevated useful position when raised
3Reliability
If a traditional hitch pin and cotter pin clip system is used, then the accessory can be held in place, but the attachment and detachment process requires tools and multiple steps, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tool-free quick-release functionality from the traditional multi-component pin and clip system. The securing connector is designed with a release mechanism that allows the accessory to be quickly detached by simply pulling the connector outward, eliminating the need for tools and multiple manipulation steps while maintaining secure retention during use
Solution Approach 2:
The securing connector is designed to be self-retaining during normal use but self-releasing when a specific action is taken. The connector automatically holds the accessory securely in the channel during towing, yet allows tool-free removal by pulling outward, making the system serve itself without requiring external tools or complex manipulation
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
Facilitates quick and tool-free attachment, lowering, and repositioning of towing accessories, improving access to the rear of the vehicle and allowing for efficient storage, reducing strain on users and minimizing interference with vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
A pivot bearing is provided along a bottom of the channel, such as by a pivot bar supported by the side walls and extending into the channel. The shank of the accessory has an insert end sized received within the channel, so the accessory can be placed into the channel and then have at least part of its weight be supported by the pivot bearing while permitting pivoting of the accessory shank through the open face.
Implementation Method 2
The connection preferably allows quick lowering, by pivoting of the accessory shank about the pivot bearing, of the accessory, allowing better and less impeded access to the rear of the towing vehicle such as to open a tailgate, trunk or hatchback.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick mount hitch connection for supports a towing accessory from a towing vehicle. An accessory shank is received within a sloped channel structure rising upwardly and rearwardly from horizontal. One of the faces defining the channel is open. A pivot bearing is provided along a bottom of the channel, such as by a pivot bar supported by the side walls of the channel structure and extending into the channel. A securing connector is provided at a location spaced from the pivot bearing, which can be removably fastened to simultaneously hold the accessory shank against the pivot bearing and to prevent the accessory shank from pivoting in the channel. The connection allows quick attachment, quick lowering, and changing the accessory from a usage position to a stowage position all by hand and without any tools.