Tow Ball Carrier Support Structure for High-Load Rear Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary load transport devices for vehicles, such as those supported on the roof or hitched to the tow ball, face limitations including weight capacity, aerodynamic drag, noise, complexity in detachment, increased vehicle height, and sensitivity to water and dirt, which restrict their effectiveness and usability.
Innovation Solution
A support structure for a carrier mounted on a tow ball hitch, featuring a housing for the ball and shaft, fixing means for secure attachment, guiding means for frame unfolding, and additional load anchoring elements, allowing for the coupling of containers and other load devices, enhancing weight capacity and ease of storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a clamp mechanism is used to mount on a tow ball, then the device can be attached to the vehicle, but the maximum load capacity is limited to 75 kg despite the tow ball hitch being capable of withstanding 200 kg vertical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load-bearing function from the clamp mechanism and transfers it to the tow ball hitch itself. The support structure uses the hitch's inherent strength to support loads up to 200 kg, while the clamp mechanism only needs to provide positioning and stabilization, not primary load-bearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to utilize the existing tow ball hitch system for its primary function (load-bearing up to 200 kg) while adding supplementary functions (positioning, stabilization, and support) through the clamp mechanism, creating a multi-functional system that maximizes the strengths of both components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rooftop load devices are used, then load can be transported outside the vehicle, but the device increases the total height of the car restricting entrance in some places
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical mounting (rooftop) to horizontal mounting (rear of vehicle). By positioning the support structure horizontally at the rear rather than vertically on the roof, the system maintains load transport capability while avoiding the height increase that restricts vehicle entrance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a towed auxiliary load device is used, then load can be transported, but the device generates inertias in the rear part affecting the dynamic performance of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support structure with the vehicle by mounting it directly to the tow ball hitch, creating an integrated system. This eliminates the separation between vehicle and load carrier that causes inertial effects, as the load is now supported by a structure attached to the vehicle's existing hitch point rather than being a separate towed entity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rooftop load devices are used, then load can be transported outside the vehicle, but detaching the device when not in use is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a separable system with distinct components: the base mounted to the hitch and the support arms that can be independently detached. This segmentation allows for easy removal of the support structure from the hitch when not in use, simplifying the detachment process compared to integrated rooftop systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support structure for a carrier and to a container, ski rack and bike rack that can each be coupled to the carrier support structure, which structure is provided for mounting on a tow ball of a vehicle and comprises: a support base that can be coupled and fixed to the tow ball; a frame that can be coupled to the support base and unfolded from a service position to an unfolded position and vice versa; and actuation means provided on the frame and configured to enable the frame to be unfolded from the service position to the unfolded position.