Adjustable Tongue Weight Scale for Accurate Hitch Height Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tongue weight measurement devices lack a reliable and adjustable mechanism to accurately measure the tongue weight of a trailer, which can lead to improper loading and increased risk of trailer sway or tow vehicle overload.
Innovation Solution
A weight measuring device with a coupling head and a height adjustable assembly that includes a telescoping sleeve system, allowing for precise adjustment of the coupling head's height and securement of the weight measurement device at a specific height corresponding to the hitch ball's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-height coupling head is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different hitch ball positions and achieves accurate measurement only at one height
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling head height is made adjustable through a telescoping assembly with multiple lockable positions, allowing the device to adapt to different hitch ball heights. The assembly includes an inner tube that can extend and retract within an outer tube, with selective locking mechanisms at predetermined positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling head assembly is divided into separate modular components: a coupling head, a telescoping assembly with inner and outer tubes, and a load cell assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy adjustment and maintenance of the height mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling head is made adjustable to different heights, then it can accommodate various hitch ball positions, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping assembly enables dynamic height adjustment through coordinated movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. The inner tube can be positioned at multiple predetermined heights and locked in place, providing adaptability without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube is nested within the outer tube, with the load cell assembly positioned between them. This nested configuration allows compact storage when not in use and provides a space-efficient way to achieve multiple height positions without adding excessive structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the load cell is rigidly mounted, then the measurement structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate the movement and range of motion of the coupling head
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell mounting structure is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The inner tube can move relative to the outer tube, and the load cell is positioned to measure forces while accommodating this relative movement. The structure allows the coupling head to move through its range of motion while maintaining accurate force measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping assembly acts as an intermediary between the coupling head and the load cell. It transmits the tongue weight force to the load cell while accommodating the movement and range of motion of the coupling head, isolating the load cell from direct mechanical complexity.
4Measurement precision
If real-time tongue weight measurement is implemented, then cargo positioning can be optimized, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical force measurement system uses a load cell that converts mechanical tongue weight force directly into an electrical signal for real-time measurement. This substitution of mechanical measurement with electro-mechanical sensing provides continuous feedback without complex mechanical linkages or multiple moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell assembly serves multiple functions: it measures tongue weight, accommodates coupling head movement, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 device provides accurate real-time measurements of tongue weight, enabling proper cargo positioning in the trailer, reducing the risk of trailer sway and tow vehicle overload, and enhancing safety and control during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
The weight measurement device includes a load cell. A load cell housing is configured to support the weight measuring assembly, and the load cell is mounted and supported within the load cell housing. The load cell is secured above the mount within the load cell housing.
Implementation Method 2
A height adjustable assembly includes a first sleeve that is telescopingly mounted within and moves relative to a second sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A tongue weight scale includes a coupling head configured to support a coupler of a trailer thereon to measure a weight that corresponds to a force exerted by the coupler. A height adjustable assembly includes an inner sleeve telescopingly mounted within an outer sleeve and means for securing a longitudinal position of the inner sleeve relative to an outer sleeve to adjust a height of the coupling head to a weight measurement height. A load cell is supported within a load cell housing, and a mount is secured within the load cell housing to rigidly support the load cell in a position to detect the force exerted on the coupling head by the coupler and provide an output signal corresponding to the force. A display assembly is communicatively connected to the load cell and configured to receive the output signal.