Truck Bedrail Hitch Mounting for Radial Accessory Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard vehicle hitches are designed for linear towing and cannot efficiently accommodate radial loads from accessories, limiting their functionality and usability, especially for trucks where additional accessories like lift gates and ramps are needed without obstructing taillights or license plates.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit hitch system with a hitch body that detachably connects to truck bedrails and a hitch receiver, featuring a connector mechanism with upper and lower slots for secure accessory attachment, a lateral support bar for grip, and an adjustable tensioning mechanism for stability, allowing full tailgate functionality and easy accessory integration without obstructing vehicle lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard hitches are used for linear towing, then towing capability is maintained, but they cannot efficiently accommodate radial loads from accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system is divided into multiple connection points: a primary hitch receiver for towing and additional mounting points on the bedrails for accessories. This segmentation allows radial loads from accessories to be distributed separately from linear towing forces, enabling both functions to operate reliably without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional (linear) hitch design to a multi-dimensional system by adding lateral mounting points on the bedrails. This dimensional expansion enables accessories to be mounted at angles and positions that accommodate radial loads while maintaining the original linear towing capability through the rear hitch receiver.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are attached to standard hitches, then accessory functionality is added, but tailgate functionality is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory mounting function is extracted from the rear hitch area and relocated to separate mounting points on the bedrails. This extraction allows the tailgate to operate freely at the rear without obstruction, while accessories remain securely attached to the bedrails through dedicated mounting brackets and connection mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are mounted on standard hitches, then additional functionality is provided, but taillights and license plate are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system moves accessory attachment from the vertical rear space (which blocks lights) to the lateral bedrail space. This dimensional relocation positions accessories above or beside the taillights and license plate area, maintaining visibility while providing robust attachment points through the bedrail structure.
4Device complexity
If standard hitches are used, then simple structure is maintained, but radial loads from accessories cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system is designed with universal multi-functionality: the primary hitch receiver handles linear towing, while additional bedrail mounting points handle radial accessory loads. Both functions share a common structural framework that integrates with the truck's existing bedrail system, providing a unified solution for multiple load types without requiring separate independent systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch system for vehicles and trucks designed to be easy to install and that can accommodate the attachment of various vehicle and truck accessories. A hitch extender that is configured to be used with standard vehicle and truck hitches. A hitch system and a hitch extender which may be entirely manually powered, manually powered and free of all motors and electrical components, may be operated by a powered device, may include a motor, or may be operated manually with a powered assist.