Spring-Loaded Trailer Hitch Mount for Secure Friction Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch receiver accessories are limited in versatility, prone to failure, and difficult to set up, lacking a robust attachment mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A modular accessory mount with a mount frame, lower and upper retainers, and springs that provide frictional engagement with the hitch receiver, allowing for removable and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing hitch receiver accessories are used, then aesthetic benefit is provided, but reliability is poor and they are prone to failure during repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory mount is divided into multiple modular components including a mount frame, upper retainer, lower retainer, and spring mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall reliability, and enables easy replacement or modification of individual parts without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the retainers to automatically adapt to different accessory sizes and shapes. The spring-loaded design enables the mount to maintain secure engagement while accommodating variations in load and positioning requirements, enhancing both reliability and versatility.
2Ease of operation
If existing hitch receiver accessories are used, then coverage is provided, but ease of operation is poor and difficult to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded retainer mechanism automatically engages with the hitch receiver when the accessory is inserted, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or additional fastening steps. The design allows users to simply slide the accessory into place and the spring mechanism self-adjusts to secure it, making installation trivial while maintaining reliable engagement.
3Reliability
If a robust attachment mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper retainer, lower retainer, and spring mechanism are integrated into a unified mount assembly that attaches to the hitch receiver as a single unit. This merging of components achieves robust attachment through coordinated action of multiple elements while presenting a simple, compact structure that does not increase overall device complexity.
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
The accessory mount offers increased versatility and secure, easy installation, enhancing both aesthetic and functional utility by covering the hitch receiver when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
The spring operably engages the upper retainer to urge the upper retainer away from the mount frame base
Implementation Method 2
the first guide surface and the second guide surface are urged into frictional engagement with the hitch receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory mount is configured to be slidably inserted into a receiver bore of a hitch receiver for removable engagement therewith. The accessory mount includes a mount frame, a lower guide, and an upper retainer. The mount frame includes a frame axis along which the accessory mount is inserted and removed relative to the hitch receiver. The lower guide is associated with the mount frame and presents a downwardly-facing first guide surface slidably engaged with the hitch receiver when the accessory mount is inserted in the receiver bore. The upper retainer is shiftably attached relative to the mount frame and is located opposite the lower guide. The upper retainer presents an upwardly-facing second guide surface. The upper retainer is biased upwardly so that the first and second guide surfaces are urged into frictional engagement with the hitch receiver when the accessory mount is inserted into the receiver bore.