Swing-Away Hitch Mount for Rear Door and Spare Tire Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bike carrier systems interfere with the operation of the rear door panel and access to the spare tire on Jeep Wrangler vehicles, as they are not adaptable to the unique configuration of these vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A swing-away bike carrier system with an upper and lower mounting plate assembly, connected by adjustment arms and a connecting bar, allowing for the attachment of bike carriers and other accessories that can swing with the rear door, thus avoiding interference with the spare tire and rear door panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional tow-hitch mounted bike rack is installed, then the bike carrier is securely mounted to the vehicle, but the spare tire and rear door panel become inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The bike carrier is designed with a swing-away mechanism that allows it to pivot between a mounted position (when bikes are transported) and a retracted position (when access to the spare tire or rear door is needed). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the mounting security and accessibility mutually exclusive states rather than simultaneous requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a fixed base plate attached to the vehicle frame, and a movable bike carrier assembly that can swing away from the base. This segmentation allows the bike carrier to be securely mounted when needed while permitting full access to the spare tire and rear door when the carrier is retracted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a swing out rack connecting to a standard receiver mount is used, then the bike rack can be attached to the hitch, but it still interferes with the spare tire and rear door operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a rear door linkage that couples the bike carrier's movement to the rear door's position. When the rear door is opened, the linkage automatically triggers the bike carrier to swing away, ensuring that the carrier never interferes with door operation. This dynamic coupling resolves the contradiction between attachment flexibility and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical linkage system acts as an intermediary between the rear door and the bike carrier. This intermediary mechanism translates the rear door's opening motion into automatic retraction of the bike carrier, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring seamless coordination between door operation and carrier positioning.
3Strength
If a swing away support assembly is installed on the tailgate, then additional structural support is provided, but it may interfere with backup cameras and rear lights
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses strategically positioned mounting plates attached to the vehicle frame at locations that provide structural support while avoiding interference with backup cameras, rear lights, and other vehicle accessories. The base plate is anchored to strong frame members away from sensitive components, ensuring both strength and compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting the support structure on the tailgate surface (two-dimensional plane), the system anchors mounting plates to the vehicle frame in three-dimensional space, positioning them above and away from the tailgate area. This spatial repositioning provides structural support while clearing the path for backup cameras and rear lights to function without obstruction.
Data Source
AI summary
A spare tire mounted, swing way bike rack is provided having a upper receiver attachment and a lower receiver attachment are supported on upper and lower adjustment bars, respectively, and are a similar standard size as otherwise conventional hitch receives. Both secondary mounting points allow aftermarket accessories of those design to affix to a conventionally sized hitch receiver to be attached thereto in a manner that allows those attachment to swing with the vehicles rear door.