Trailer Hitch Ball Mount with Hydraulic Tongue Weight Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring tongue weight of a trailer are time-consuming and dangerous, as they require decoupling the trailer from the tow vehicle, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for efficient and safe measurement of the downward force applied by the trailer to the hitch.
Innovation Solution
A ball mount with a hitch ball and load measurement device, featuring a reservoir with fluid and piston, and a pressure sensor, which allows for the determination of downward force on the hitch ball, facilitating accurate tongue weight measurement without the need for decoupling, using a support structure with a retention pin to secure the hitch ball and enable movement against the piston.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tongue weight is measured by decoupling the trailer from the tow vehicle and weighing it separately, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tongue weight measurement function with the hitch ball assembly itself. The load measurement device is integrated into the ball portion, allowing the hitch ball to directly measure the downward force applied by the trailer tongue while coupled to the tow vehicle, eliminating the need for separate weighing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydraulic fluid as an intermediary between the downward force on the hitch ball and the measurement system. The force applied to the hitch ball is transmitted through the ball portion to the piston, which then transmits the force through hydraulic fluid to the load measurement device, enabling indirect measurement while the trailer remains coupled to the vehicle
2Productivity
If a hydraulic load measurement system is used to measure downward force on the hitch ball, then real-time measurement capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic load measurement system where a piston moves in response to downward force on the hitch ball, transmitting force through hydraulic fluid to a load measurement device. This hydraulic mechanism enables real-time force measurement while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of standard hydraulic components
Solution Approach 2:
The ball portion serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical interface for the hitch ball, transmits the downward force from the trailer tongue, and houses the hydraulic load measurement system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining several functions into a single integrated component
3Reliability
If the hitch ball is securely captured in the hitch ball opening to prevent removal, then security is improved, but the hitch ball cannot move against the piston to exert force for measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic retention system where the retention pin allows controlled movement of the hitch ball within the hitch ball opening. The hitch ball can move vertically to exert force on the ball portion and piston for measurement, while the retention pin prevents complete removal. This dynamic configuration enables both security and measurement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is segmented into the retention opening in the hitch ball, the retention pin, and the hitch ball opening in the ball portion. This segmentation allows the hitch ball to be retained while permitting controlled movement, as the retention pin can be positioned to allow vertical displacement necessary for force transmission while preventing lateral removal
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
Enables safe and efficient measurement of tongue weight, providing real-time data on the downward force, thus preventing trailer sway and rear tire overload, improving towing safety and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a load measurement device associated with the ball portion to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball, the load measurement device including a reservoir having a fluid and a piston disposed therein
Data Source
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AI summary
A ball mount for measuring tongue weight of a trailer is disclosed. The ball mount can include a ball portion having a hitch ball configured to couple with a tongue of a trailer. The ball mount can also include a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle. In addition, the ball mount can include a load measurement device associated with the ball portion to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball. The load measurement device can include a reservoir having a fluid and a piston disposed therein, and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the reservoir. The hitch ball can be configured to exert a force on the piston, thereby affecting a pressure of the fluid in response to the downward force on the hitch ball.