Dynamically Adjustable Gooseneck Ball Mount for Turning Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for attaching gooseneck trailers to towing vehicles either cause damage due to tight turning or compromise stability and fuel efficiency, and existing 5th wheel hitch solutions are not applicable to gooseneck trailers, leading to mechanical issues and instability.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically adjustable gooseneck mount with a linear actuator that moves the gooseneck ball between forward and rearward positions based on the alignment of the towing vehicle and trailer, using a sensor to detect a flag on the trailer coupler and adjust the ball's position to maintain stability and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the trailer connection point is positioned directly over the axle, then the trailer is stable and fuel economy is good, but tight turning causes the trailer front to contact the cab causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a linear actuator to dynamically adjust the gooseneck ball position between forward and rearward locations based on turning conditions. The system uses sensors to detect trailer angle and automatically moves the ball to prevent trailer-cab contact during tight turns while maintaining stability during straight towing, resolving the contradiction between stability and turning safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the longitudinal position parameter of the gooseneck ball based on operating conditions. By moving the ball between forward and rearward positions according to sensor-detected trailer angle, the system optimizes both stability and turning performance, eliminating the harmful contact issue while preserving towing reliability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the trailer connection point is positioned rearward of the axle, then tight turning is prevented, but towing stability deteriorates and fuel economy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a fixed rearward position, the patent implements a dynamic system that adjusts the gooseneck ball position based on real-time sensor feedback. The linear actuator moves the ball to the rearward position only when tight turning is detected, and returns it to the forward position for stable towing, thus avoiding the stability penalties of permanent rearward positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors to detect the trailer angle and provides feedback to the controller, which then actuates the linear actuator to adjust the gooseneck ball position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the ball is positioned rearward only when needed for turning, maintaining optimal stability during straight towing while preventing trailer-cab contact
3Device complexity
If a fixed 5th wheel hitch is used, then the setup is simple, but it cannot accommodate gooseneck trailers and creates mechanical issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal hitch system that accommodates both gooseneck trailers and traditional 5th wheel trailers through a single base frame design. The gooseneck ball can be positioned forward for gooseneck trailers or adjusted rearward for 5th wheel trailers, making the system versatile enough to handle different trailer types without requiring separate specialized hitches for each
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
Enhances stability and reduces wind resistance by dynamically adjusting the gooseneck ball's position, preventing trailer contact with the cab and improving towing dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
A linear actuator has a stationary portion affixed to the base frame and a movable portion affixed to a gooseneck ball
Implementation Method 2
The assembly has a controller in electrical communication with a sensor and the linear actuator. When the sensor detects a first angle between the trailer and towing vehicle, the linear actuator moves the gooseneck ball to a first position
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamically adjustable gooseneck mount has a linear actuator that is removably affixed to a towing vehicle over the vehicle's rear axle. A gooseneck ball is affixed to a movable portion of the actuator and can move between a forward position and a rearward position through operation of a motor. The mount includes a sensor that can sense a flag that is attached to the coupler on a trailer. When the sensor detects the flag, the motor moves the gooseneck ball forward. If the towing vehicle and trailer are at a sufficient angle with respect to each other, the sensor no longer detects the flag and moves the gooseneck ball rearward. In the forward position, the gooseneck ball is forward of the axle and in the rearward position, the gooseneck ball is behind the axle.