Mile High Club

4182- Section AProfessor Harvey Lipkin

John MoodyMichael Pang

Markus WegnerJason Snooks

Charles HolcombeKen Sanderson

10/12/05

Self Aligning Trailer Hitch

Comment Breakdown

Qty Type

9 Loads

5 Power

2 Standoff from Vehicle

1 Weight

1 Materials

1 Latching

5 Presentation Comments

4 Stupid Comments

1 Illegible

15 Total Comment Sheets Received

Valid Class Comments• Loads:

– Torsion on Receiver– Max While Pulling– Max During Extension– Pin Loads

• Power of and to Retraction System• Standoff – Goal is less then 6 inches• Weight/Materials• Latch/Securing Mechanism • Jockey Wheel carries some load when retracting

Impact of CommentsLoads

• Most comments stated the obvious!

• Must address loads on all critical parts (DUH!)– Pins, Arms, Winch, Ball

• Will take into account weight & materials

• Good FEA of final design (was already planned)

Impact of CommentsPower

• Power to Retraction System– From car electrics– Through trailer plug if possible

• Winch Rating– Analyze power required to pull trailer

Impact of Comments

Latch

• Latch Design in Progress– Addresses Strength– Automatic (as we’ve been talking about)

Impact of CommentsStandoff

• Keep Design Compact (<6” already a criteria)

Jockey Wheel

• Look at Jockey Wheel Idea for Feasibility– Can it work (maybe)– Drop it for a “fool-proof” design? (yes)

Revised Design

• Add Height Adjustment

• Keep Square Tubes

• Considering Electric and Manual Winch

• Found Electric Winches for Cars– Rated 1500 – 6000 Lbs– Sufficient power supplied through trailer plug

Revision - Height Adjustment

Available Winches

Normal Manual Winch

Manual Ratchet Winch

Standard Electric Winch

Super Winch