Towbar Accessory Mounting Device with Sliding Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for mounting accessories to vehicle tow hitches with tow balls are not user-friendly, easy to assemble, or secure against unauthorized removal, and often require complex coupling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sliding member and housing that allows for easy coupling by sliding up and down, featuring movable coupling elements that activate when the device is placed on the tow ball, ensuring a simple and secure attachment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex coupling mechanism is used to secure the accessory to the tow ball, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements automatically engage with the tow ball when the device is lowered onto it. The sliding member's movement relative to the housing automatically actuates the coupling elements from their inactive to active position, eliminating the need for manual operation or complex control mechanisms while ensuring reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements are pre-positioned in an inactive state outside the tow ball's path profile during assembly. When the device is lowered onto the tow ball, the sliding member's movement automatically activates the coupling elements at the appropriate moment, ensuring secure attachment without requiring complex real-time control.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to prevent unauthorized removal, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the ease of operation for removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are designed with asymmetric engagement: they extend into the tow ball's path profile to prevent unauthorized removal, but can be easily retracted when authorized personnel apply force in the correct direction. The locking mechanism provides different resistance depending on the direction of applied force, allowing secure attachment while enabling authorized removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring active unlocking to remove the device, the mechanism is designed so that removal is achieved by reversing the attachment action. Authorized personnel can remove the device by applying force that causes the sliding member to move upward, automatically retracting the coupling elements from their locking position.
3Reliability
If multiple coupling elements are used to secure the device to the tow ball, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple coupling elements are integrated into a single sliding member structure that moves as one unit relative to the housing. This combining of multiple coupling functions into a single movable component ensures reliable attachment through multiple contact points while minimizing overall device complexity and the number of independent parts.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Device for mounting an accessory to a tow hitch of a vehicle, which tow hitch has been provided with a tow ball, the device comprising a holder for the accessory, a housing and a sliding member, wherein the housing defines a first accommodation space for the sliding member, wherein the sliding member forms a second accommodation space for accommodating the tow ball, wherein when in use the sliding member can be slid up and down in the first accommodation space in mutually opposing first and second directions, between an access position in which the second accommodation space is accessible to the tow ball and a coupling position situated higher when in use, in which coupling position the tow ball is coupled to the device, wherein the device furthermore comprises one or more coupling elements that can be moved relative to the sliding member and relative to the housing between an inactive position in said access position and an active position in the said coupling position, imposed by the relative movement of the sliding member relative to the housing.