Universal Tow Hitch Support Assembly with Movable Fixing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support assemblies for tow hitches with positioning pins require customization for specific shapes and sizes, making them expensive and difficult to install, as they need to match the exact dimensions of the tow hitch's sphere and positioning pins for stable and correct positioning.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a hooking part and positioning part, integrated into a single body, featuring a fixing device with a movable fixing element and activating lever, which allows easy alignment with the tow hitch's sphere and positioning pins, ensuring stable fixation without requiring precise matching of dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support assembly is designed to match the exact dimensions of a specific tow hitch's sphere and positioning pins, then stable and correct positioning is achieved, but the cost increases and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the positioning part from precise custom-fit dimensions to standardized dimensions with clearance. The positioning part has a predetermined shape that accommodates various sphere sizes and positioning pin configurations through controlled clearance and tolerance design, allowing a single support assembly design to fit multiple tow hitch variations without requiring exact dimensional matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly is designed with universal compatibility to work with different types of tow hitches. The hooking part can receive spheres of various sizes, and the positioning part can engage with positioning pins at different positions, making the same support assembly applicable to multiple tow hitch models from different manufacturers, thereby reducing customization costs and simplifying installation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the support assembly is designed for a specific tow hitch type, then correct positioning is guaranteed, but the adaptability to different tow hitch variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by designing the positioning part with standardized dimensions and controlled clearances that can accommodate variations in sphere size and positioning pin location. The predetermined shape of the positioning part allows it to engage with different pin configurations while maintaining sufficient positioning accuracy through its geometric design and tolerance specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly incorporates dynamic adaptability through its mechanical engagement features. The positioning part can adjust its engagement position within the clearance range to accommodate different tow hitch configurations, while the fixing device provides dynamic locking capability that secures the assembly once positioned, balancing precision with versatility.
3Reliability
If the support assembly uses a complex fixing mechanism to ensure stable fixation, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is segmented into distinct functional components: a fixing element with a head portion and a body portion, and a separate activating lever. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the fixing element provides the locking action while the activating lever provides the release mechanism - resulting in a reliable fixation system that is also simple to operate and understand.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism incorporates self-locking and self-release capabilities. The fixing element automatically engages and locks the support assembly to the tow hitch when the activating lever is in the fixed position, and automatically releases when the lever is moved to the released position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional tools or complex operating procedures, maintaining reliability while minimizing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a support assembly (1) for a loading apparatus, wherein the support assembly (1) is configured for being removably mounted to a tow hitch (2). The tow hitch (2) has a plane of symmetry (S), extends along said plane of symmetry (S), and comprises a neck (201) having a first end fixed, or removably fixable, to a rear part of a vehicle and a second end provided with a sphere (202); a pair of positioning pins (203), configured for positioning the support assembly (1), which are arranged on the neck (201) at a predefined distance from the sphere (202) and project from the neck (201) transversally with respect to the plane of symmetry (S). The support assembly (1) comprises: a body provided with a hooking part (101), which is provided with a hooking cavity (102) for receiving at least the sphere (202), and a positioning part (103), configured for cooperating with the positioning pins (203), the positioning part (102) comprising a pair of positioning walls (104) between which the neck (201) is at least partially accommodated, each positioning wall (104) being arranged for abutting, when the support assembly (1) is mounted, exclusively a rear surface of a respective positioning pin (103). The support assembly also comprises a fixing device (3) comprising a fixing element (301), which is movable between a fixing position and a release position and is configured for abutting a bottom section (202a) of the sphere (202) and a head section (201a) of the neck (201), contiguous to said bottom section (202a), when the support assembly (1) is mounted and the fixing element (301) is in the fixing position.