Mile High Club Section A Professor Harvey Lipkin John Moody Michael Pang Markus Wegner Jason Snooks Charles Holcombe Ken Sanderson 10/12/05 Self Aligning Trailer Hitch

Comment Breakdown QtyType 9Loads 5Power 2Standoff from Vehicle 1Weight 1Materials 1Latching 5Presentation Comments 4Stupid Comments 1Illegible 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 Comments Loads 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 Comments Power 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 Comments Standoff 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