Fifth Wheel Hitch Support Assembly Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fifth wheel mounting assemblies are complex, heavy, and costly to manufacture, requiring intricate designs and assembly processes that complicate the coupling of fifth wheel hitch plates to vehicle frames.
Innovation Solution
A simplified fifth wheel mounting assembly design featuring a carriage assembly with C-shaped frame rails, support members, and a cross-member that securely couples the fifth wheel hitch plate to the vehicle frame using apertures and fasteners, allowing for easy assembly and weight reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional fifth wheel mounting assembly with multiple brackets and base plates is used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the weight and complexity of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (brackets, base plates, and support structures) into a single integrated mounting assembly. The frame rails are formed as one piece with integrated mounting portions, eliminating the need for separate brackets and base plates while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is segmented into functional portions within the single frame rail structure. Each frame rail includes a mounting portion with specific features (apertures, reinforcement elements) that can be independently optimized while remaining part of the integrated structure, allowing weight reduction without compromising strength.
2Strength
If a traditional fifth wheel mounting assembly with multiple brackets and base plates is used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete components into a single integrated frame rail assembly, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. The mounting portion is integrated directly into the frame rail structure, eliminating separate brackets and base plates.
3Strength
If multiple separate components are used in the mounting assembly, then the structural integrity is ensured, but the assembly time and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components into a single integrated frame rail assembly with built-in mounting portions. This eliminates the need for assembling separate brackets, base plates, and support structures, significantly reducing assembly time and improving productivity while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design.
Data Source
AI summary
A fifth wheel hitch mounting assembly for mounting a fifth wheel hitch plate to a vehicle frame assembly includes a first and second frame members each having substantially vertically extending mounting portions each having an inwardly facing surface, comprises a first support member adapted to couple to the inwardly facing surface of the mounting portion of the first frame member, a second support member adapted to couple to the inwardly facing surface of the mounting portion of the second frame member, a cross member extending between and coupled to the first support member and the second support member, a first mounting member coupled with a first support member and including an inwardly exposed aperture adapted to receive a mounting pin therein for pivotally coupling a fifth wheel hitch plate to the first mounting bracket, and a second mounting member coupled to the second support member and including an inwardly exposed aperture adapted to receive a mounting pin therein for pivotally coupling the fifth wheel hitch plate to the second mounting bracket.