Adjustable Fifth Wheel Hitch Support Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fifth wheel mounting systems require customized dimensions for each application due to varying spacing between frame rails, leading to increased construction and assembly costs, weight, and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A fifth wheel mounting assembly with adjustable support members and a center portion that can be positioned within recesses of support members, allowing for flexible alignment and support of the fifth wheel hitch plate across multiple frame members, reducing the need for custom dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If customized dimensions are used for each fifth wheel mounting application to accommodate varying frame rail spacing, then the mounting system can be precisely fitted to specific applications, but construction and assembly costs increase, weight increases, and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying frame rail spacingVSAvoidcomplexity of custom dimensions for each application

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the distance between the first and second support members to be modified. This dynamic adjustment capability enables a single bracket design to accommodate various frame rail spacings, eliminating the need for multiple customized brackets for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple applications with different frame rail configurations. By integrating adjustment mechanisms and providing multiple positioning options, a single bracket design replaces the need for application-specific customized brackets, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If customized dimensions are used for each fifth wheel mounting application, then precise fitting is achieved, but construction and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying frame rail spacingVSAvoidconstruction and assembly costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple applications with different frame rail configurations. By integrating adjustment mechanisms and providing multiple positioning options, a single bracket design replaces the need for application-specific customized brackets, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the distance between the first and second support members to be modified. This dynamic adjustment capability enables a single bracket design to accommodate various frame rail spacings, eliminating the need for multiple customized brackets for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If fixed support members are used in the mounting bracket, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to accommodate various frame rail spacings is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of mounting bracket structureVSAvoidability to accommodate frame rail spacing variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the distance between the first and second support members to be modified. This dynamic adjustment capability enables a single bracket design to accommodate various frame rail spacings, eliminating the need for multiple customized brackets for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket is divided into adjustable segments or modular components that can be repositioned relative to each other. This segmentation allows the support members to be adjusted to different positions while maintaining structural integrity, providing both simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9656702B2Fifth wheel hitch support assembly

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 SAF HOLLAND INC

AI summary

A fifth wheel mounting assembly comprises first and second support members adapted to couple to frame members and support assembly that comprises first and second portions slidably engaging the first and second support members and adjustable along a length thereof, the first and second portions including an upwardly-opening recess, first and second mounting members coupled to the first and second portions and configured to pivotably support the fifth wheel hitch plate, and a center portion having a first and second end received within the recesses of the first and second portions, wherein the recesses of the first and second portions are configured to receive the ends of the center portion subsequent to the first mounting member being coupled to the first mounting portion and the second mounting member being coupled to the second mounting portion.