Vertical Hitch Pin With Offset Pivot Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch pin systems require additional components like cotter pins or bolts, which can be lost or damaged, and often necessitate tool use for installation and removal, complicating field operations.
Innovation Solution
A vertical hitch pin design featuring a pivoting oblong bar within an elongate opening, secured by a pin that allows for tool-free operation and eliminates the need for separate securing devices, with the bar's offset pivot enabling secure attachment and detachment without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hitch pin systems use additional components like cotter pins or bolts, then the connection security is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring tool use and multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hitch pin shaft, securing mechanism, and release mechanism into a single integrated body. The oblong bar with offset pivot point integrates the locking function, while the elongate opening serves as both the bar's path and the securing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate cotter pins or bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset pivot point on the oblong bar creates a self-securing mechanism where the bar's position within the elongate opening automatically provides retention. The design uses the bar's geometry and pivot offset to create inherent securing without requiring additional fastening components or tools.
2Reliability
If traditional hitch pin systems use separate securing devices, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring tools for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design with the oblong bar and elongate opening creates a self-securing and self-releasing mechanism. The bar's offset pivot point allows it to naturally engage and disengage from the elongate opening without requiring external tools, while still providing secure connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The oblong bar is designed to be movable within the elongate opening, allowing dynamic engagement and disengagement. The offset pivot point enables the bar to shift positions easily for insertion and removal, while maintaining secure positioning during use, providing both reliability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If traditional hitch pin systems use multiple separate components, then the connection security is improved, but the risk of lost or damaged components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all essential components into a single integrated body, eliminating separate cotter pins, bolts, or other fastening elements that could be lost or damaged. The oblong bar, elongate opening, and offset pivot point work together as one unified system, reducing the total number of parts that could be misplaced or damaged.
4Ease of operation
If a simple hitch pin design is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection security deteriorates without additional securing components
Solution Approach 1:
The simple integrated design achieves connection security through the self-securing mechanism created by the oblong bar and elongate opening. The offset pivot point provides inherent retention without requiring additional securing components, maintaining both simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset pivot point creates an asymmetric geometry that provides secure engagement. The non-centered pivot position on the oblong bar creates a mechanical advantage that naturally secures the bar within the elongate opening during operation, achieving reliability through geometric design rather than additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical hitch pin for connecting a tongue to the hitch on a vehicle. The hitch pin has an elongate opening for receiving a pivoting bar. The bar rotates clockwise from a center position where the bar fits substantially inside the hitch pin during insertion of the pin through aligned openings in the trailer tongue and the hitch to a first laterally extending position where the bar is rotated under the force of gravity until a portion of the bar engages with a first portion of a surface of the body bordering the elongate opening. The bar may also be capable of rotating counterclockwise from the center position to a second laterally extending position where the bar is rotated under the force of gravity until a portion of the bar engages with a second portion of the surface of the body bordering the elongate opening.