Adjustable Jack Mount Adapter for Trailer Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional trailer jack mounting systems lack adjustability in both vertical and axial orientations, making it difficult to securely attach and position jacks at varying heights and orientations relative to trailer frames, which can hinder accessibility and stability during towing and uncoupling processes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable jack mount adapter featuring a flange with mounting apertures and a collar with a rib that engages with a slot on the jack, allowing for vertical and axial adjustability, enabling secure attachment at different heights and orientations, including forward, left, right, or rear-facing configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed mounting system is used to attach the jack to the trailer coupler, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the jack cannot be adjusted vertically or axially to different positions and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting adapter incorporates a collar with a slot that allows the jack to move vertically along the collar axis, transforming a fixed static mounting into a dynamic adjustable system. The slot enables continuous vertical adjustment while the rib on the collar engages with the slot to maintain connection, providing both mobility and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting adapter is divided into distinct functional components: a flange for attaching to the trailer coupler, a collar for vertical adjustment, and a rib for engagement with the jack. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall adjustability and versatility of the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting apertures are provided for different orientations, then the jack can be mounted in various orientations (forward, left, right, rear facing), but the number of apertures and overall adapter complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is designed with multiple mounting apertures arranged in different orientations, allowing a single adapter design to accommodate forward, left, right, and rear-facing jack orientations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adapters for each orientation, providing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the jack is mounted at a fixed height and orientation, then the mounting structure is simpler, but it may not be accessible or stable for various trailer heights and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical slot in the collar allows the jack to be positioned at different heights along the collar axis, enabling the operator to adjust the jack height to achieve proper accessibility and stability for various trailer configurations. The dynamic adjustment capability ensures ease of operation without requiring multiple fixed-height mounting options.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting adapter for mounting a jack to a trailer coupler and/or a trailer frame is described. The mounting adapter may permit the jack to mount to the trailer coupler while retaining both vertical and axial adjustability. The mounting adapter may include a flange and a collar. The flange may include an opening for receiving the jack and at least one mounting aperture for attachment with the trailer frame. The collar may extend outward from the flange and have at least one aperture for attachment with the jack. The collar may also include a rib located for engagement with a slot on the jack. The trailer coupler and frame may include apertures alignable to the mounting apertures, whereby the mounting apertures may permit orientation of the jack to be forward, left, right or rear facing. The mounting adapter may also be vertically adjustable to the jack.