Extruded Aluminum Trailer Coupler System with Segmented Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer hitch systems are heavy, cumbersome, and require multiple people to install and remove, limiting their use and convenience, especially when switching between different types of trailers, and often necessitate custom installation due to varying vehicle and hitch configurations.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight trailer coupler system made from extruded aluminum, featuring a greaseless towball coupler and adjustable design, which can be easily installed and removed by a single person, and a hitch adapter that allows for vertical adjustment and compatibility with both fifth-wheel and ball hitches, reducing stress on the towing vehicle and simplifying trailer attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional heavy-duty trailer hitch systems are used, then towing strength and reliability are improved, but weight increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system is divided into multiple components: a receiver tube that remains permanently mounted to the vehicle frame, and a separate coupler assembly that can be independently attached and removed. This segmentation allows the heavy-duty receiver to provide structural strength while the lighter, removable coupler maintains ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver tube acts as an intermediary element between the vehicle frame and the coupler assembly. It provides a standardized interface that transfers loads from the removable coupler to the permanently mounted receiver, enabling both strength and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If heavy-duty trailer hitch systems are used, then towing reliability is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system separates the permanent structural component (receiver tube mounted to frame) from the removable coupling component. This allows optimization of each part: the receiver provides reliable load path to the frame, while the coupler can be lighter since it doesn't need to support the entire system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, permanently mounted heavy-duty hitch to a dynamic configuration where the coupler can be easily attached and removed. The receiver remains permanently mounted to provide reliability, while the removable coupler reduces overall system weight when not in use.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom installation procedures are required for different vehicle configurations, then adaptability deteriorates, but manufacturing precision can be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver tube is designed with a standardized opening and mounting interface that can accommodate various coupler types and vehicle frame configurations. This universal design allows the same receiver component to be used across different vehicle models and trailer types, improving adaptability while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for flexible configuration where the receiver can be mounted at different positions and angles on various vehicle frames, and different couplers can be attached as needed. This dynamic adaptability accommodates different vehicle and trailer types without requiring custom fabrication.
4Strength
If multiple people are required to install and remove the hitch, then ease of operation deteriorates, but device strength can be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system separates the heavy, permanently mounted receiver from the lighter, removable coupler. The receiver provides structural strength and remains fixed to the vehicle frame, while the coupler can be easily attached and removed by a single person using simple fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver tube serves as an intermediary that provides a stable, strength-providing foundation while enabling easy coupling and uncoupling of trailers. The standardized interface and mounting mechanisms allow single-person operation despite the overall system's high strength capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer coupler system can include one or more skid plates made from extruded aluminum, one or more support tubes attached to the skid plates, a plurality of struts having a first end attached to the one or more skid plates, a ball housing attached to a second end of at least two of the plurality of struts, a first towball positioned within the ball housing, an adapter sleeve attached to the ball housing, a support plate extending from a support tube or skid plate to the adapter sleeve, an adapter having a kingpin coupler for coupling to a kingpin of a trailer, and a towball coupler for directly coupling with the first towball.