Swivel Hitch Offset Alignment for Rearview Towed Item Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel hitch devices fail to provide a convenient and safe means for drivers to view towable items, especially when the items are narrower than the towing vehicle, leading to potential safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A swivel hitch device comprising a body component with a flat bar secured to the vehicle's hitch, a receiver tube, and a semi-circular channel that allows the flat bar to swivel side-to-side, enabling the device to offset and realign the towed object for visibility in the rearview mirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional fixed hitch device is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the towable item cannot be viewed in the rearview mirror when it is narrower than the towing vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed hitch device into a swivel hitch device that can rotate and adjust to different positions. The swivel mechanism allows the hitch to move dynamically, enabling the towable item to be positioned within the driver's view in the rearview mirror while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the towable item is narrower than the towing vehicle, then the vehicle can transport various sized items, but the item becomes invisible in the rearview mirror causing safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel hitch device enables dynamic adjustment of the towable item's position relative to the vehicle. By allowing the hitch to rotate and offset the towable item, the system maintains versatility for transporting various sized items while ensuring the item remains visible in the rearview mirror, thereby preserving roadway safety.
3Ease of operation
If a swivel mechanism is added to allow viewing of towable items, then visibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel hitch device applies segmentation by dividing the hitch system into distinct functional components: the swivel mechanism, the receiver tube, and the mounting bracket. This modular approach enables the viewing function to be achieved while keeping each component relatively simple and manageable, reducing overall complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics to create a swivel mechanism that provides necessary movement for visibility while maintaining structural simplicity. The rotational capability is achieved through a straightforward pivot point design that allows adjustment without requiring complex mechanical systems.
4Strength
If the hitch device is made of high-grade steel, then strength and durability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifying high-grade steel for critical load-bearing components of the hitch device where strength is essential, while potentially using less expensive materials for non-critical parts. This selective material approach ensures the necessary strength and durability are achieved without unnecessarily increasing manufacturing costs across the entire device.
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel hitch device is disclosed for viewing an item being towed in the rearview mirror of the towing vehicle. The swivel hitch device comprises a body component that includes a flat bar secured to the vehicle's hitch and having a through-hole. A channel is configured in a semi-circular shape with a plurality of through-holes spaced equi-distance apart. The channel is secured to a receiver tube and engages the flat bar, such that as the flat bar is swiveled side-to-side, the through-holes in the channel and the flat bar align. A removable, vertical pin is then inserted into a through-hole of the flat bar and the aligned through-hole of the channel, to secure the device in a desired position. Thus, the device essentially realigns a towed object to be off-centered, to be visible by the operator of the vehicle in any rearview mirror.