Winch Hitch Assembly for Low-Clearance Watercraft Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft launch systems for small electric and hybrid vehicles risk submersion damage due to low ground clearance, battery placement hazards, and insufficient traction, making it difficult to safely and controllably launch and retrieve watercraft without damaging the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A hitch assembly comprising a frame sub-assembly and winch sub-assembly that allows securement to vehicles and trailers, enabling controlled launching and retrieval of watercraft through a winch strap mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If small electric vehicles and hybrid cars are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but ground clearance is reduced making watercraft launch dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly acts as an intermediary device between the vehicle and watercraft trailer. It provides a controlled connection point that allows the vehicle to remain at a safe distance from the water while still enabling watercraft launch and retrieval operations through the hitch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch assembly divides the launching function from the vehicle itself, creating a separate launching mechanism. This segmentation allows the vehicle to maintain its safe position while the hitch assembly handles the watercraft operations, isolating the vehicle from potential water damage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If battery is positioned at the bottom of the vehicle, then weight distribution is improved, but fire/explosion hazard increases during watercraft launch
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly extracts the dangerous launching operation from the vehicle's immediate vicinity. By providing a dedicated launching mechanism at the hitch point, the battery and other vulnerable vehicle components are kept at a safe distance from potential fire or explosion hazards during watercraft operations.
3Volume of moving object
If small tires are used, then vehicle size is reduced, but traction is insufficient for launching watercraft
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly serves as a mechanical intermediary that provides the necessary leverage and force multiplication for watercraft launching. Instead of relying on the vehicle's small tires for direct traction, the hitch mechanism translates the vehicle's pulling force into effective launching force through its mechanical advantage.
4Length of moving object
If ground clearance is reduced, then vehicle height is lowered, but submersion damage risk increases during watercraft retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly acts as a mediator that allows the vehicle to remain elevated and safe from water while still enabling watercraft retrieval. The hitch mechanism provides the necessary connection and control points for retrieving watercraft without requiring the vehicle to lower its ground clearance or risk submersion.
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
Enables safe and controlled launching and retrieval of watercraft without risking submersion damage to the user's vehicle, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a winch sub-assembly, wherein the winch sub-assembly is associated with the frame sub-assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch assembly, including: (a) a frame sub-assembly; (b) a winch sub-assembly, wherein the winch sub-assembly is associated with the frame sub-assembly; and (c) wherein the hitch assembly is adapted to enable a user to safely and controllably launch and retrieve a watercraft without risking submersion damage to the user's vehicle.