Swing-away hitch adapter with automatic latch mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hitch rack designs for vehicles are complex, costly, and prone to user error, with difficulties in simplifying installation and ensuring safe, easy access to the rear of the vehicle while carrying cargo.
Innovation Solution
A swing-away hitch adapter system with a fixed and movable beam, featuring a latch mechanism that automatically locks the movable beam in an open position orthogonal to the fixed beam, allowing easy access and secure cargo transport, and optionally incorporating a detent mechanism for simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hitch rack is used to carry cargo, then cargo transport capability is improved, but access to the rear of the vehicle is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch rack is designed with a movable beam that can pivot between a closed position (parallel to the fixed beam) for cargo transport and an open position (orthogonal to the fixed beam) for rear vehicle access. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt between two functional states, resolving the contradiction between cargo carrying and rear access.
2Ease of operation
If a pivot mechanism is added to allow rear access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically lock the movable beam in the open position when pivoted, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-locks through the interaction between the latch arm and latch keeper, reducing operational complexity and user effort while maintaining the pivot functionality for rear access.
3Ease of operation
If an automatic latch mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components such as a latch arm, latch keeper, and spring that can be manufactured at low cost. These basic mechanical elements provide automatic locking functionality without requiring expensive materials or complex manufacturing processes, making the system cost-effective while maintaining ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If the movable beam is locked in open position, then rear access is improved, but cargo security is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between locked states: the movable beam is securely locked in the closed position during cargo transport to ensure security, and automatically locks in the open position when pivoted for rear access. The automatic latching mechanism ensures reliable locking in both positions, maintaining cargo security while enabling safe rear vehicle access when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
System, including apparatus and methods, for transporting cargo using a swing-away hitch adapter that mounts to a hitch of a vehicle and provides a movable hitch receiver for a cargo carrier, such as a rack for carrying bicycles. In some embodiments, the hitch adapter may comprise a fixed beam and a movable beam. The movable beam may be pivotally connected to the fixed beam at a first end and associated with a movable hitch receiver at a second end. A latch mechanism of the adapter may be configured to automatically lock the movable beam in an open position orthogonal to the fixed beam, to provide access to a rear of the vehicle, when the movable beam is pivoted about a pivot axis to the open position from a closed position parallel to the fixed beam.