Trailer Hitch Electrical Connector Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch systems suffer from excess wiring that hangs low and is prone to damage, potentially causing short circuits due to exposure and dragging on the ground, while also leading to premature corrosion when the ball mount is not removed.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch system with an integrated electrical receptacle oriented along the towing vehicle's centerline, which eliminates excess wiring by incorporating a receiver and trailer mount with telescoping electrical connectors that secure within the receiver tube, ensuring electrical connection without dangling wires and allowing the trailer mount to be removed for corrosion prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If excess wiring is used to allow flexibility in connection, then the towing vehicle can make turns without pulling connectors apart, but the wires hang low and drag on the ground causing damage and short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connector with the ball mount assembly, integrating the wiring system into the mechanical connection structure. The connector is mounted on the ball mount rather than being a separate dangling component, so the electrical connection moves with the ball mount and eliminates excess wire exposure to ground contact
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector is nested within or integrated into the ball mount assembly structure. The connector housing is incorporated into the ball mount body, creating a compact unified assembly that prevents wire exposure while maintaining connection functionality
2Stability of the object's composition
If the ball mount is left in the receiver when not in use, then the connection is secure, but the ball mount is prone to premature corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The ball mount is designed to be easily extracted from the receiver when not in use. The quick-release mechanism allows the ball mount to be removed from the receiver tube, exposing it to air circulation and preventing trapped moisture that causes corrosion, while still providing secure connection when attached
3Ease of operation
If traditional electrical connectors are used with excess wire length, then flexibility is provided for vehicle turns, but the wires are exposed to damage and dragging on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is merged with the ball mount assembly, eliminating the need for separate excess wire lengths. The connector is mounted on the ball mount itself, so the electrical connection is carried by the structural component rather than separate vulnerable wiring
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection becomes dynamic by being attached to the movable ball mount rather than being fixed to the vehicle frame. As the ball mount moves with the trailer connection, the electrical connector moves accordingly, maintaining proper positioning without excess wire exposure
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer hitch apparatus for mechanically and electrically coupling a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle includes: a receiver and a trailer mount. The receiver has a receiver tube with an open end; a first electrical connector having a plurality of electrical contacts for attaching to the towing vehicle electrical system; and a second electrical connector having a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to the plurality of electrical contacts of the first electrical connector. The trailer mount is installed within the open end of the receiver tube and includes a mounting tube comprising a first end and a second end for inserting into the receiver tube; a third electrical connector having a plurality of electrical contacts and operable to mate with the second electrical connector; an attachment mount connected to the second end of the mounting tube; a trailer attachment device connected to the attachment mount for attaching a towed vehicle; and an electrical receptacle electrically having a plurality of electrical contacts and connected with the third electrical connector for providing an electrical signal to an electrical system of the towed vehicle.