Active Fifth Wheel Hitch Slider with Rack-and-Pinion Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fifth wheel hitch adjustment systems are not easily assembled, have limited operating life, and do not efficiently adjust the position of the hitch plate along the vehicle frame, leading to suboptimal vehicle operation and increased fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel hitch adjustment arrangement featuring a rack-and-pinion mechanism with an actuator and sensor system that automatically adjusts the position of the hitch plate along the vehicle frame, allowing for efficient movement between two positions, and includes a locking mechanism for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fifth wheel hitch adjustment system is designed to be easily assembled, then assembly simplicity is improved, but the operating life and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fifth wheel hitch adjustment system is divided into modular components including a support arrangement with first and second support members, a fifth wheel assembly, and a drive assembly. These segmented modules can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the structural integrity needed for long operating life through proper connection interfaces between modules.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment of the fifth wheel hitch plate is used, then device complexity is reduced, but vehicle operation efficiency and fuel consumption are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a drive assembly with a rack-and-pinion mechanism that enables automatic adjustment of the fifth wheel hitch plate position. The sensor detects vehicle operating conditions and automatically actuates the pinion gear to move the hitch plate along the rack, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving vehicle operation efficiency without requiring complex external control systems.
3Productivity
If automatic sensor-based adjustment is implemented, then vehicle operation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is integrated into the system to detect vehicle operating conditions such as load weight or vehicle speed. The sensor provides feedback signals that trigger the drive assembly to automatically adjust the fifth wheel hitch plate position, optimizing vehicle operation efficiency. The feedback loop is designed with simple signal processing to minimize added system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated rack-and-pinion drive mechanism actuated by a motor or actuator. This substitution eliminates manual labor while using a relatively simple mechanical transmission system that converts rotational motion of the pinion gear into linear motion of the hitch plate, achieving automation without excessive complexity.
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 system provides a durable, efficient, and long-lasting solution for adjusting the hitch plate position, enhancing vehicle handling, reducing fuel consumption, and improving operational characteristics by automatically adjusting the trailer's position relative to the towing vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The drive assembly includes a rack-and-pinion arrangement, with the rack-and-pinion arrangement including a rack member engaging at least one pinion member
Data Source
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AI summary
A fifth wheel hitch adjustment arrangement for adjusting a position of a fifth wheel hitch plate along a length of a vehicle frame, the fifth wheel hitch adjustment arrangement including a fifth wheel hitch plate, a support arrangement coupled to the fifth wheel hitch plate such that the fifth wheel hitch plate can be moved between a first position along a length of a vehicle frame and a second position along the length of the vehicle frame that is different than the first position, and a drive assembly adapted to couple to a vehicle frame and coupled to the support arrangement, the drive assembly including a rack-and-pinion arrangement, the rack-and-pinion arrangement including a rack member engaging at least one pinion member, the at least one pinion member engaging the support arrangement to move the fifth wheel hitch plate between the first and second positions.