Swingable Hitch Accessory Mount for Compact Access and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch-mounted accessory carriers lack improvements in design that enhance usability, space efficiency, and security for vehicle-mounted accessories.
Innovation Solution
A swingable accessory mount assembly with a receiver mount, pivotally connected first and second arms, and a hitch adapter that can be secured in a closed position using a lock-closed arrangement, allowing for efficient use of space and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a hitch-mounted accessory carrier uses a fixed rigid structure, then structural strength is maintained, but space utilization and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed rigid structure into a swingable mechanism. The accessory carrier includes a first arm and second arm that can pivot between a stored position (where the hitch adapter is close to the vehicle) and a deployed position (where the hitch adapter is extended outward). This dynamic configuration allows the structure to adapt between compact storage and functional deployment, improving space utilization while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the accessory carrier into multiple independent arms (first arm and second arm) that can move relative to each other. The hitch adapter is divided into separate components that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling the overall structure to achieve compact configuration when not in use, thereby improving space utilization without compromising the strength of individual components.
2Ease of operation
If the hitch adapter is positioned away from the vehicle body, then accessibility is improved, but space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The swingable mechanism allows the hitch adapter to dynamically change its position relative to the vehicle body. When deployed for use, the arms pivot to extend the hitch adapter outward, improving accessibility. When not in use, the arms swing back to bring the hitch adapter close to the vehicle body, optimizing space efficiency. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to achieve both accessibility and space efficiency at different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes angular/directional movement in addition to linear extension. The arms can pivot through angles to position the hitch adapter in different spatial locations. This dimensional change allows the hitch adapter to be positioned away from the vehicle for accessibility while being able to return to a compact configuration, effectively using angular space to resolve the contradiction between accessibility and space efficiency.
3Reliability
If a lock-closed arrangement is added to secure the second arm, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-closed arrangement is merged with the existing arm structure. The locking mechanism is integrated into the connection between the first arm and second arm, utilizing the same structural components rather than adding entirely separate locking systems. This merging approach provides security functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by reusing existing structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock-closed arrangement is designed to be self-contained, with the locking and unlocking functions integrated into the arm mechanism itself. The system can secure itself in the deployed position without requiring external locking devices or complex additional mechanisms. This self-service approach provides reliable security while keeping the added complexity minimal by utilizing the existing structural components for both support and locking functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A swingable accessory mount assembly includes a receiver mount configured for mounting to a hitch receiver of a vehicle. A first end of a first arm is attached to the receiver mount. The first arm extends laterally from the receiver mount to the second end. A first end of a second arm is pivotally attached to or near the second end of the first arm. The second arm is movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the first arm. A hitch adapter is attached to or near a second end of the second arm. When in the closed position, the hitch adapter is located on an opposite lateral side of the receiver mount from the second end of the first arm. A support member, such as a wear block, is located between the first arm and the second arm in the closed position.