Adjustable Weight Distributing Hitch for Trailer Sway Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight distributing hitches for trailers, such as those using spring arms or deflection bars, require complex adjustments to accommodate varying trailer loads and prevent swaying, which can be time-consuming and costly due to additional components and complicated installation processes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an adjustable support shelf connected to the trailer frame with a hemispherical projection and a position-adjustable block on the spring arm, allowing for easy longitudinal adjustment and securement using set screws, along with an alternative embodiment featuring a roller support for simplified loading and unloading, reducing the need for complex adjustments and additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex adjustment mechanisms (such as adjustable cam arms or slideable mounting brackets) are used to accommodate varying trailer loads, then the adaptability of the hitch system is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is segmented into multiple discrete height positions through the incorporation of spacer blocks with different thicknesses. This allows the support surface to be adjusted to different heights in discrete increments, providing adaptability for varying trailer loads while maintaining a relatively simple structure. The spacer blocks can be independently selected and installed without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer blocks are designed to be nested within the assembly structure, fitting between the support surface and the mounting bracket. This nested arrangement allows multiple spacer blocks of different thicknesses to be stored and installed in a compact manner, reducing the overall space required for adjustment components while maintaining the ability to provide multiple height positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components (such as adjustable cam arms, lift chains, or slideable brackets) are incorporated to enable load adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer blocks are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured from common materials such as metal or plastic. Rather than using complex adjustable mechanisms, the invention employs multiple simple spacer blocks of different thicknesses that can be selected and installed based on the specific load requirements. This approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
3Force
If the cam is raised relative to the trailer frame to increase spring arm deflection, then the upward force on the ball mount is improved, but the longitudinal spacing of the cam follower behind the ball mount changes, requiring additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is made dynamically adjustable through the use of interchangeable spacer blocks, allowing the height position to be changed based on the specific loading conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to optimize the upward force on the ball mount for different trailer weights while maintaining the correct longitudinal spacing through the selection of appropriate spacer block thicknesses, without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
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
This solution provides a more efficient and cost-effective method for adjusting the weight distribution hitch to counteract different trailer loads, preventing uncontrolled swaying while simplifying the installation and adjustment process, thereby enhancing steering control and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the second end of each spring arm is supported, under deflection, on a support surface connected to a respective trailer frame. Supporting the spring arm, under deflection, on the support surface creates a moment arm which urges the first end of each spring arm and the ball mount upward to counteract any downward forces
Implementation Method 2
Abutment of the cam surfaces of each cam follower against the corresponding cam resists sliding of the spring arm relative to the cam follower unless sufficient force is applied by turning of the towing vehicle relative to the trailer. The resistance prevents or resists swaying of the trailer.
Data Source
AI summary
A weight distributing hitch for towing a trailer includes a pair of deflection bars extending rearward from a ball mount head. A distal end of each deflection bar is supported by a deflection bar support connected to the frame by a height adjustable bracket assembly. A first resistance feature on the deflection bar support engages a second resistance feature associated with the deflection bar to restrain the deflection bar from sliding relative to the deflection bar support and thereby preventing swaying of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle. A longitudinal position of the second resistance feature relative to the deflection bar or a longitudinal position of the first resistance feature relative to said deflection bar supported by said deflection bar support is adjustable to position the second resistance feature in engagement with the first resistance feature when the deflection bar is supported on the deflection bar support.