FYI: Ford’s latest patent features a pivoting trailer hitch designed to enhance convenience and safety for vehicle owners.
In a recent patent application published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on July 26, Ford engineers unveiled an innovative trailer hitch that pivots out of the way when not in use, enhancing both safety and convenience for vehicle owners. Initially filed in 2021, this inventive design highlights Ford’s ongoing commitment to improving utility and user experience in their vehicles.
Innovative Pivoting Trailer Hitch
The patent describes a hitch receiver that can rotate to be parallel with a vehicle’s rear bumper when not actively in use. This design allows it to remain out of the way, preventing it from scraping against the ground on steep inclines and eliminating the potential hazard of people tripping over it. This makes it especially beneficial for frequent towers, who no longer need to remove the ball hitch after each use.
How It Works
The tubular receiver is connected to the vehicle’s frame via a pivot pin, allowing it to rotate. A lever arm mechanism locks the receiver in place either when stowed or deployed. According to the patent documentation, this movement could be automated using an electric motor mounted behind the rear bumper. This motor would drive a screw mechanism to pivot the hitch assembly, controllable from within the vehicle itself.
Benefits and Insights
This innovative feature provides several advantages, including:
- Safety: Reduces the risk of tripping over the hitch or scraping it during driving.
- Convenience: Eliminates the need to regularly remove and reinstall the ball hitch.
- Integration: Potentially integrates with vehicle electronics, offering control from the driver’s seat.
Such a system not only promises to enhance user convenience but could also mark a significant improvement in the overall user experience for Ford’s pickup truck and SUV lineup.
Industry Context
While Ford’s patent focuses on a pivoting trailer hitch, other car manufacturers are also pushing boundaries with similar innovations. Toyota, for example, has filed patents for retractable and moveable tow hooks designed to improve vehicle safety. Their focus appears to be on minimizing the impact forces transmitted during a crash.
Conclusion
While patented ideas don’t always make it to production, the pivoting trailer hitch aligns well with Ford’s dedication to increasing utility and safety in their vehicles. It holds considerable promise for becoming a standard feature, particularly given the importance of pickup trucks and SUVs to Ford’s lineup.
This development fits neatly into Ford’s broader strategy of enhancing vehicle functionality while maintaining safety and ease of use. If the pivoting trailer hitch does reach production, it will undoubtedly offer a notable improvement for vehicle owners who frequently tow.
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Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
