Tow Hitch Insert Assembly with Oscillating Novelty Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tow hitch systems lack a secure and lifelike method to attach elongated novelty items, such as replica bull testicles, which are prone to theft and do not accurately mimic the natural bouncing and dangling motion.
Innovation Solution
A tow hitch insert assembly with a lockable design featuring an insert tube main body, an elongated member, and a spring mechanism that allows the item to oscillate, providing a secure and natural appearance of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If unsecured means such as wire are used to attach elongated members to the trailer hitch, then the installation is simple and easy, but the security and anti-theft protection is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: an insert tube that fits into the trailer hitch receiver, an elongated member with distinct functional regions, and a lockpin mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall security and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert tube is designed to fit within the trailer hitch receiver tube, creating a nested structure. The elongated member is then attached to the insert tube, and the lockpin passes through both components to secure them together. This nesting approach provides secure attachment while maintaining compact installation.
2Reliability
If rigid attachment methods are used to secure elongated members, then security is improved, but the natural bouncing and dangling appearance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated member is designed with a recess on its bottom region that selectively receives the lockpin. This recess allows the elongated member to oscillate and move naturally while still being securely attached to the insert tube. The dynamic capability is maintained within the constraints of the secure attachment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockpin is positioned in a specific location (through the recess on the bottom region of the elongated member) rather than rigidly fixing the entire member. This localized attachment point allows other parts of the elongated member to move and oscillate naturally, maintaining the desired appearance while providing security at the attachment point.
3Reliability
If the lockpin is positioned at the top of the insert tube, then security is improved, but the elongated member cannot achieve natural side-by-side or forward-back movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the lockpin only at the top of the insert tube (vertical dimension), the lockpin is positioned to extend through the recess on the bottom region of the elongated member. This creates a different dimensional approach to security, allowing the elongated member to move naturally in side-by-side and forward-back directions while maintaining secure attachment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a secure attachment that prevents theft and mimics the natural bouncing motion of the elongated member, enhancing the aesthetic appeal while ensuring the item is securely fastened to the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The first spring member and the second spring member allow the elongated member to oscillate along the rod by providing springed force that allows the elongated member to slide along the rod, yet be pushed back toward the center of the rod
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is for a tow hitch insert assembly that allows for natural dangling and swinging motion of an elongated member from a trailer hitch. The elongated member can be of a variety of shapes and in one version is a replica of testicles. The elongated member is coupled to an insert tube main body by a rod that extends through the tow hitch insert assembly. Surrounding the rod are springs on each side, sandwiching the elongated member, which allows for oscillation of the elongated member within the tow hitch insert assembly. In another version, the elongated member is secured via a slotted plate, and the elongated member has a spheroid top wider than the slot of the slotted plate, which permits the elongated member to slide and rotate within the tow hitch insert assembly.