Compliant Moment Bar Hitch for Wider Preload Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer hitches face challenges with tedious setup and adjustment processes, limited adjustability, and safety hazards due to stiff moment bars that are not easily adaptable to changing road geometry, leading to potential loss of traction and instability when towing heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A weight distribution hitch system with compliant moment bars made from flexible materials like fiberglass-reinforced polymers, which allows for greater adjustability and stability by reducing the modulus of elasticity, enabling smoother operation over uneven terrain without the need for frequent disconnection and reconnection, and incorporating features like hinged connections and sway control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a stiff moment bar is used in a conventional trailer hitch, then the structural strength is improved, but the adaptability to changing road geometry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the moment bar by using a material with lower modulus of elasticity (more flexible material) to enable the bar to adapt to changing road geometry while maintaining sufficient structural strength for the application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials with tailored elastic properties that provide both the necessary strength and the required flexibility, allowing the moment bar to withstand loads while adapting to varying road conditions
2Reliability
If equalizer hitches are used to prevent squat and distribute weight, then the weight distribution is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to tedious setup and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the hitch system, allowing users to easily modify the moment bar configuration in response to changing towing conditions, making the system adaptable without tedious setup procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables easy adjustment of the moment bar's position and orientation parameters, allowing users to optimize weight distribution for different trailer and load configurations without requiring complex tools or procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If a moment bar with low modulus of elasticity is used to increase adjustment range, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials that provide both the necessary flexibility for large adjustment ranges and the required structural strength, overcoming the trade-off between adaptability and strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties or structural characteristics to different regions of the moment bar, allowing flexible sections for adjustment and stronger sections for load-bearing functions
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 system simplifies setup and adjustment, enhances safety by maintaining stability and traction over varied road conditions, and reduces the need for frequent adjustments, providing a more versatile and reliable towing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a moment bar having a modulus of elasticity, the moment bar comprising a moment bar forward end attached to the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member so as to prevent rotation about a horizontal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A weight distribution hitch system comprising a vehicle attachment member comprising a forward end configured to rigidly attach to a vehicle, and a rearward end extending rearwardly toward a trailer, the rearward end comprising an upper portion comprising a trailer attachment member configured to pivotally attach to a coupler of the trailer, and a lower portion configured to receive a moment bar; a moment bar having a modulus of elasticity, the moment bar comprising a moment bar forward end attached to the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member so as to prevent rotation about a horizontal axis, and a moment bar rearward end; a tension member comprising a top end configured to be supported by a frame member of the trailer, and a bottom end configured to support the rearward end of the moment bar; wherein, when the tension member is in tension, it imposes an upward force on the moment bar rearward end, which, in turn, imposes a forward moment on the vehicle; and wherein the modulus of elasticity is low enough that an adjustment range for the moment bar is greater than 0.5 inches is disclosed.