Variable Hitch Mount With 3-Axis Cargo Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hitch mount systems for vehicles lack flexibility in cargo deployment and orientation, making it cumbersome and dangerous to access and position cargo, such as tents, at elevated heights.

Innovation Solution

A variable hitch mount system with a moveable cargo arm and clamshell retention mechanism that allows for secure attachment to a vehicle receiver hitch, enabling micro-variable release and 3 degrees of freedom in orientation, allowing the cargo to be deployed or stowed in various configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If cargo is mounted on top of the vehicle, then cargo capacity is maximized, but accessibility and safety deteriorate due to high positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo capacityVSAvoidcargo accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions cargo mounting from the vertical dimension (roof-top) to the horizontal dimension (rear hitch), allowing cargo to be positioned low and accessible while maintaining vehicle cargo capacity. The hitch mount system enables cargo to be carried in the rear horizontal space rather than elevated vertically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If fixed orientation hitch mounts are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but deployment flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemount structureVSAvoidcargo orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the hitch mount system, allowing the cargo arm to rotate and pivot between multiple orientations (vertical, horizontal, angled) while remaining attached to the vehicle. This enables the same structural component to adapt to different deployment scenarios without requiring multiple fixed-mount structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If releasable retention mechanisms are added for orientation control, then cargo deployment flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo deployment optionsVSAvoidretention mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-component retention mechanisms with a simplified ball-and-socket joint system that provides rotational freedom through basic spherical geometry. The ball mounted on the cargo arm fits into a socket on the hitch receiver, allowing natural rotation and positioning without requiring additional actuators, locks, or control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12043217B2Variable hitch mount and platform for stowing and deploying vehicle cargo

Publication Date: 2024.07.23 MANNSFELD CHRISTIAN

AI summary

A vehicle hitch mount having a variably deployable orientation for stowing and positioning cargo while retaining the cargo to a receiver hitch in a fixed and secure relation to the vehicle. The cargo may be attached to the vehicle hitch mount with a releasable receiving element, and may comprise a number of different deployable/receivable items (e.g. tent, workstation, miniature vehicle, etc.), particularly where orientation of such cargo item is needed, whether in a deployed or stowed state.