Spring-Loaded Hitch Pin Assembly for Trailer Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receiver hitch pins are loose and difficult to align, requiring manual effort to couple a hitch to a trailer, leading to inefficiencies in attachment and potential misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded hitch pin assembly that is securely attached to the receiver hitch, allowing the hitch pin to extend and align automatically with the receiver hitch and hitch holes, facilitated by a mounting bracket and spring mechanism for quick coupling and secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a loose hitch pin is used in typical hitches, then the hitch pin can be easily inserted, but it becomes difficult to align the holes properly and requires manual effort to move the hitch and hitch pin
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch pin is pre-loaded onto the mounting bracket and positioned in advance. When the hitch is inserted into the receiver hitch, the pre-positioned pin automatically aligns with the holes without requiring manual manipulation, thus resolving the alignment difficulty and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism causes the hitch pin to automatically extend and align itself with the receiver hitch and hitch holes when the hitch is inserted. This self-aligning feature eliminates the need for manual effort to move the hitch pin, solving both the ease of operation and time loss problems.
2Device complexity
If a loose hitch pin is used, then the hitch can be assembled simply, but the hitch pin may become difficult to align and requires manual movement
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch pin, mounting bracket, and spring mechanism are merged into a single integrated assembly. The pin is pre-loaded onto the bracket, combining multiple components into one unit that attaches to the receiver hitch as a single operation, maintaining simplicity while enabling automatic alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch pin is pre-positioned on the mounting bracket before attachment to the receiver hitch. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the assembly is installed, the pin is already in the correct location to align with the holes, eliminating the need for manual alignment efforts.
3Productivity
If a spring-loaded hitch pin assembly is used, then quick alignment and coupling is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the mounting bracket for attachment, the spring for propulsion, and the hitch pin for coupling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving quick coupling while keeping the overall design manageable and not excessively complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides self-service by automatically propelling the hitch pin into the receiver hitch when the hitch is inserted. This automatic action eliminates the need for manual alignment and coupling efforts, significantly increasing productivity despite the added complexity of the spring mechanism.
4Ease of manufacture
If a loose hitch pin is used, then the hitch can be assembled simply, but the hitch pin may rattle free and become insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch pin is merged with the mounting bracket through pre-loading and attachment mechanisms. This integration ensures the pin remains securely positioned on the bracket and cannot rattle free, improving reliability while maintaining relatively simple construction through the unified assembly approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch pin is pre-loaded and secured to the mounting bracket before the assembly is installed on the receiver hitch. This preliminary securing action prevents the pin from becoming loose or rattling free during operation, enhancing reliability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
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 quick and easy alignment and coupling of the hitch to the receiver hitch, reducing manual effort and preventing the hitch pin from becoming loose, while ensuring secure attachment and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a spring attached to the hitch pin and further attached to the mounting bracket and configured to force the hitch pin to slide through the hitch pin hole, the receiver hitch hole, and a hitch hole of the hitch, coupling the hitch to the receiver hitch
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch pin assembly for attaching to a receiver hitch and coupling the receiver hitch to a hitch is disclosed. In some embodiments, the hitch pin assembly comprises a mounting assembly for mounting to the receiver hitch and a mounting bracket configured to attach to the mounting assembly and comprising a hitch pin hole for a hitch pin to slide therethrough. The hitch pin may be forced through the hitch pin hole, the receiver hitch, and the hitch by a spring mounted on the hitch pin and the mounting bracket.