Angled Cab Extension Fifth Wheel Hitch Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cab extensions for vehicles with fifth wheel hitches often block access to the hitch, limiting the ability to use and maintain the trailer connection, which is essential for safe and controlled towing of heavy loads.

Innovation Solution

A cab extension design featuring an angled bottom wall that creates a hitch connection area adjacent to the fifth wheel hitch, allowing for trailer coupling while maintaining access and preventing damage during uneven terrain, with optional hinged panels for secure access and locking mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a cab extension is installed to expand space, then additional living or sleeping space is provided, but access to the fifth wheel hitch is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecab extension spaceVSAvoidhitch access

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cab extension is segmented into multiple walls (first wall, second wall, third wall, fourth wall) that form an enclosed space while leaving the hitch area accessible. The bottom wall is configured to extend over the hitch but includes an opening that allows trailer coupling, thus segmenting the space to provide both enclosed living space and hitch access functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hitch connection area is nested within the cab extension structure. The bottom wall extends over the hitch to define a hitch connection area, effectively nesting the hitch access path within the larger cab extension volume, allowing both functions to coexist without complete blocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the bottom wall extends over the hitch to define a hitch connection area, then trailer coupling is enabled, but the hitch may be vulnerable to damage from uneven terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailer couplingVSAvoidhitch protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom wall is configured to extend over the hitch connection area, providing a protective cover that prevents uneven terrain from directly impacting the hitch. This preliminary protective structure counteracts potential damage before it can occur, while still allowing trailer coupling through the designed opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The bottom wall acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes the impact of uneven terrain across a larger area, protecting the hitch connection area from concentrated forces that could cause damage during trailer coupling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20240286691A1Truck cab extension having fifth wheel opening

Publication Date: 2024.08.29 MULTI COACH LLC

AI summary

According to embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a cab extension having an angled bottom wall configured to be secured to a vehicle and to extend over at least a portion of a hitch supported by the vehicle to define a hitch connection space, where the hitch connection space permits access to the hitch and allows a trailer to be coupled to the hitch while the cab extension is in secured to the vehicle and positioned at least partially over the hitch.