Weighted Latch Member for Automatic Pintle Hitch Engagement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pintle hook and ring hitch mechanisms require a separate latch mechanism and safety pin for secure engagement, which can be cumbersome and prone to failure, while ball and socket hitches lack a reliable locking mechanism for the socket's downward movement.

Innovation Solution

A pintle hitch apparatus with a weighted latch member that automatically pivots from an open to a closed position to securely engage and disengage a hitch ring member, eliminating the need for a separate latch and safety pin, and allowing for easy release by flipping the latch to a release position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate latch mechanism and safety pin are used for secure engagement, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of connectionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch member integrates multiple functions: it acts as both the primary latching mechanism and the safety lock, eliminating the need for separate latch and safety pin components. The single latch member provides secure engagement through its pivotal motion while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch member serves multiple purposes: it latches the upper jaw in the closed position, prevents accidental opening during operation, and can be manually actuated for release. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate latch mechanism and safety pin are used for secure engagement, then reliability of connection is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of connectionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the latch and safety pin functions into a single latch member, the operator interacts with only one component for both securing and locking the hitch, simplifying the operational sequence while maintaining secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch member automatically latches when the upper jaw closes, eliminating the need for manual intervention to engage the latch. The spring bias ensures automatic return to the latched position, reducing operational steps for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If an automatic weighted latch member is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential failure of automatic mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The weighted latch member automatically returns to the closed position using gravity and spring bias, eliminating the need for manual re-latching after opening. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while maintaining reliability through passive mechanical forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-biased latch member is pre-loaded to ensure positive engagement with the pintle hook. The spring tension compensates for any wear or dimensional variations, ensuring reliable latching without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If multiple locking components are used, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to more steps for connection and disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of connectionVSAvoidloss of time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The latch member combines the latch and safety pin into a single component, reducing the number of discrete steps required for connection and disconnection while maintaining the same level of security and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus provides a secure, automatic latching mechanism that simplifies the connection and disconnection process, enhancing safety and convenience by eliminating the need for additional locking components and ensuring reliable engagement without jamming.

Implementation Method 1

the latch member is weighted such that the latch member falls to the closed position when the latch member is in a pivot range between the closed position and an balanced position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9789742B2Ring latch for pintle hitch

Publication Date: 2017.10.17 CURT MFG LLC

AI summary

A pintle hitch apparatus has a base adapted at a forward end thereof for attachment to the towing vehicle. A hook member is attached to a rear end of the base and forms a cradle between the base and an upward oriented male portion of the hook member, the cradle configured to support the hitch ring member in a ring location. A latch member is pivotally attached to the base about a horizontal pivot axis such that the latch member can pivot from a closed position, where a rear portion of the latch member extends over the cradle above the ring location, to an open position where the rear end of the latch member is forward of the cradle. The latch member is weighted such that the latch member falls to the closed position when the latch member is in the open position.