Trailer Tongue Pivot Hinge for Garage Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of trailers makes it impossible to store large recreational boats in residential garages due to the extended length of the trailer, which exceeds the average garage size, resulting in exposure to elements and inadequate security.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting assembly comprising a trailer arm adapter and a coupler arm adapter allows the trailer tongue to be adjusted by pivoting the coupler arm towards the trailer arm, reducing the overall length of the trailer, enabling it to fit within smaller storage facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trailer tongue is designed with a fixed extended length to accommodate towing operations, then the towing functionality is improved, but the storage space requirement increases beyond residential garage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed trailer tongue into a movable, adjustable structure. The hinge assembly allows the tongue to pivot between an extended position for towing and a retracted position for storage, enabling the trailer to adapt its length based on operational requirements. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by making the tongue length variable rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the trailer tongue into multiple components connected by hinges, allowing independent movement of each segment. The tongue is divided into at least two sections that can pivot relative to each other, enabling the front section to be raised and retracted during storage while maintaining the towing capability when extended. This segmentation allows the trailer to function as a single unit during towing while storing in a compact configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the trailer tongue is extended to provide adequate towing clearance and stability, then the towing stability is improved, but the garage door closure becomes impossible when stored
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly enables the tongue to dynamically change its configuration between towing and storage modes. During towing, the tongue extends to provide necessary clearance and stability. During storage, the tongue pivots to a retracted position that reduces the overall footprint, allowing garage door closure while maintaining structural integrity and stability characteristics when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical dimension by allowing the tongue to pivot upward and inward during storage. Instead of merely shortening the tongue horizontally, the hinge mechanism enables the tongue to raise its front section vertically and angle it upward, reducing the horizontal space occupation while maintaining the ability to extend horizontally for towing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a trailer tongue pivot hinge are described herein. In an embodiment, a pivot assembly for a tongue of a towing trailer includes a trailer arm adapter, a coupler arm adapter, and a pivot member. The trailer arm adapter includes an engagement face positioned at an angle, along with a pivot hinge member and a coupling hinge member extending from the engagement face, where the coupling hinge member is opposed to the pivot hinge member. The coupler arm adapter includes an engagement face positioned at an angle, along with a pivot hinge member and a coupler hinge member extending from the engagement face, where the second coupling hinge member is opposed to the second pivot hinge member. The pivot member is positioned to pivotally engage the trailer arm adapter to the couple arm adapter.