Cross Member Towing Hitch Frame Rail Sandwich Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing hitches fail to securely attach heavy trailers to towing vehicles, particularly those loaded with heavy equipment, and often require complex installation processes, lacking the necessary strength and ease of installation.
Innovation Solution
A cross member towing hitch comprising a cap and a brace, both constructed from high-strength steel, which are designed to securely attach to the frame rails of towing vehicles, providing a robust and easy-to-install solution with a 60,000-pound pull capacity by sandwiching the frame rails and using aligned fastening holes for secure bolt placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing towing hitches are used, then installation is simple, but they fail to securely attach heavy trailers with high pulling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch is divided into two separate components: a cap that attaches to the vehicle frame and a brace that connects to the trailer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while distributing the structural load across multiple attachment points, thereby increasing both strength and reliability for heavy towing applications
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch assembly combines different structural elements (cap, brace, fasteners) made from high-strength materials to create a composite structure capable of withstanding extreme pulling forces. The combination of these components creates a system with greater overall strength than individual elements alone
2Strength
If a robust hitch design is implemented to handle heavy loads, then pull capacity increases, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the hitch into a cap and brace that can be installed independently, the complexity of installation is reduced. The cap can be bolted to the frame first, then the brace attached to connect the trailer, allowing for easier assembly compared to a single complex integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cap and brace design serves multiple functions: the cap provides frame attachment and structural support, while the brace provides trailer connection and load distribution. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple two-component design rather than a complex multi-part system
Data Source
AI summary
A cross member towing hitch includes a cap adapted to engage outer surfaces of a pair of frame rails of a towing vehicle, where the cap includes a hitch plate. A brace is adapted to fit between the pair of frame rails and engages inner surfaces of the pair of frame rails. The brace has strengthening ribs and a central panel adapted to abut an inner surface of the hitch plate. The central panel of the brace and hitch plate having corresponding fastening holes that align so that a hitch mechanism may be secured to the hitch plate and brace.