Vertical Tapered Trailer Hitch Coupling for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard horizontal trailer hitch couplings experience coupling looseness, wear, and noise due to lateral movement of the horizontal post, which affects the stability and efficiency of trailer attachment.
Innovation Solution
A vertical tapered trailer hitch coupling with a four-sided tapered collar and post, allowing for secure attachment and retrofitting of horizontal couplings, featuring a rotatable trailer ball plate with multiple balls for varying trailer heights, providing a secure and adaptable solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a horizontal trailer hitch coupling is used, then the trailer can be attached to the vehicle, but coupling looseness occurs due to lateral movement of the horizontal post
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional horizontal hitch orientation by implementing a vertical hitch coupling. The vertical collar and post configuration eliminates lateral movement issues by orienting the coupling vertically, where the tapered post fits into the tapered collar hole, preventing looseness and improving coupling stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the coupling by introducing a tapered design. The tapered collar hole and tapered post create a friction fit that prevents lateral movement and coupling looseness, fundamentally changing how the components interact compared to straight cylindrical designs.
2Reliability
If a horizontal trailer hitch coupling is used, then the trailer can be attached to the vehicle, but wear and noise occur due to lateral movement
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the hitch orientation from horizontal to vertical, the patent eliminates the lateral movement that causes wear and noise. The vertical orientation with tapered components creates a secure fit that prevents the harmful friction and contact associated with horizontal lateral movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered geometry changes the contact parameters between the post and collar, creating a friction-fit connection that eliminates lateral movement. This parameter change prevents the wear and noise generated by repeated lateral contact in traditional horizontal hitches.
3Device complexity
If a standard horizontal trailer hitch coupling is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be easily retrofitted to vertical tapered design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hitch system into modular components: a vertical collar that mounts to the vehicle frame, a separate tapered post, and a ball plate assembly. This segmentation allows the vertical tapered coupling to be retrofitted onto existing horizontal hitch locations by replacing components rather than redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical collar is designed with mounting features that can attach to standard vehicle frame locations, making the tapered coupling system universally adaptable. The modular design allows the same vertical tapered components to be installed in various positions and configurations on different vehicles.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical tapered trailer hitch coupling adapted for mounting on a vehicle hitch mounting frame. The mounting frame attached to an undercarriage at a rear of a vehicle. The vertical tapered trailer hitch coupling includes a vertical tapered collar with a four, equal sided tapered collar hole. A vertical, four equal sided tapered post is received inside the tapered collar hole. The post can be rotated 90 degrees in the collar hole. Mounted on top of tapered post is a trailer ball plate with a trailer ball. Also, the ball plate can include more than one trailer balls. This design allows for two different heights of drop hitches on a single hitch. The trailer balls are adapted for pulling different types of trailers behind the vehicle.