Fifth Wheel Hitch Isolation System for Multi-Axis Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fifth wheel hitches lack adequate damping to absorb high and low frequency vibrations, leading to uncomfortable rides for passengers in towing vehicles, especially when towing heavy trailers, as they typically require large space and are not effective in multiple axes.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel hitch with an isolation system that includes a cross-member, a pivot beam rotationally secured with a dampener, and a skid plate with wing isolators, which dampen vibrations about multiple axes, providing both vertical and horizontal isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fifth wheel hitches are used to secure heavy trailers, then the towing connection is established, but high and low frequency vibrations are not adequately dampened causing uncomfortable rides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces isolators as intermediary elements between the fifth wheel hitch and the towing vehicle frame. These isolators act as mediators that absorb and dampen vibrations while maintaining the structural connection, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection stability and vibration reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolators are pre-installed in the fifth wheel hitch assembly to provide cushioning before vibrations and shocks occur during towing. This beforehand cushioning allows the system to absorb high and low frequency vibrations proactively, preventing uncomfortable rides while maintaining reliable towing connection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If large volume isolators are used to dampen vibrations, then vibration damping capability is improved, but the space required in the load bed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the isolators by using high-performance damping materials and optimized geometries. This allows the isolators to achieve effective vibration damping in high and low frequencies while maintaining a compact size that does not excessively increase the load bed space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolators utilize composite material structures that combine different materials with complementary damping properties. This composite approach enables effective damping of both high and low frequency vibrations within a smaller volume, resolving the contradiction between damping capability and space consumption.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional hitch assemblies are used, then installation is straightforward, but they lack damping capability across multiple axes
Solution Approach 1:
The isolators are designed with multi-functional capabilities to dampen vibrations across multiple axes (vertical, lateral, and longitudinal). This universal damping capability is integrated into the standard fifth wheel hitch assembly, maintaining ease of installation while adding versatile multi-axis vibration protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation system is segmented into multiple isolators positioned at different locations and orientations within the hitch assembly. Each isolator handles specific directional vibrations, and collectively they provide comprehensive multi-axis damping while keeping each individual component simple and easy to install.
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 isolation system effectively reduces vibrations and shocks, enhancing the comfort of the ride by providing adequate damping across multiple axes, improving towing stability and reducing the impact of road and operational frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the beam about the first axis is dampened via a cross-member isolator
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the skid plate about the second axis is dampened via a wing isolator
Data Source
AI summary
A fifth wheel hitch may include at least one support frame capable of engaging with a towing vehicle. The fifth wheel hitch may further include a cross-member attached to the support frame and an isolation system operatively coupled with the cross-member. The isolation system may include a beam engaged with the cross-member about a first axis, where rotation of the beam about the first axis is dampened via a cross-member isolator. The isolation system may also include a skid plate engaged with the beam about a second axis, where rotation of the skid plate about the second axis is dampened via a wing isolator.