Fifth Wheel Hitch Vertical Kingpin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fifth wheel hitches are difficult to maneuver and require precise horizontal alignment of the kingpin, making them challenging to operate in confined spaces, and they lack visibility for confirming secure connections, which can lead to accidents.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel hitch with an adjustable height and a four-way pivot joint, featuring a funnel-shaped kingpin receiver that allows vertical kingpin alignment and a latching mechanism for secure locking, preventing horizontal sliding during towing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional fifth wheel hitches use a horizontal kingpin entry design, then the connection structure is simple, but the alignment precision requirement becomes extremely high and operation becomes difficult in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the kingpin entry from horizontal to vertical orientation. The funnel-shaped receiver opens upward instead of forward, allowing the kingpin to be inserted vertically from above. This dimensional change transforms the alignment requirement from precise horizontal positioning to vertical lowering, which is much easier to achieve in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional kingpin entry approach by having the kingpin enter from the top rather than from the front. The funnel-shaped receiver is oriented with its wide opening upward and narrow end downward, reversing the conventional horizontal insertion method and making alignment significantly easier.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional fifth wheel hitches use a fixed height design, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different towing vehicles and trailers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a height adjustment mechanism that allows the receiver to be moved vertically along the mounting plate. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same hitch system to accommodate different vehicle and trailer configurations, transforming a static fixed-height design into an adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The height adjustment feature makes the fifth wheel hitch universally compatible with various towing vehicles and trailer types. By allowing vertical repositioning of the receiver, a single hitch unit can serve multiple applications and fit different equipment configurations.
3Device complexity
If traditional fifth wheel hitches lack a visible latching mechanism, then the structure is simpler, but the reliability of secure connection confirmation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (such as colored flags or positioned components) that change position or color to indicate whether the latching mechanism is engaged. This allows the operator to quickly confirm secure connection without complex additional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The visible latching mechanism provides immediate visual feedback to the operator about the connection status. When the kingpin is properly secured, the latch becomes visible or changes appearance, giving positive confirmation that the connection is secure before the vehicle is driven.
4Ease of operation
If adapters or extensions are added to the kingpin to assist with alignment, then the ease of operation improves, but the trailer warranty is voided due to unanticipated bending moments
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel-shaped receiver design provides self-aligning features that guide the kingpin into the correct position during vertical insertion. The wide opening and tapered walls naturally direct the kingpin to the proper location without requiring external adapters or extensions, maintaining trailer integrity and warranty.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates in general to a fifth wheel hitch and method of using a fifth wheel hitch that is mounted to a bed of a towing vehicle, and more specifically, to a fifth wheel hitch that is vertically secured to a kingpin of a fifth wheel trailer without requiring the use of adapters or extensions. One aspect of the fifth wheel hitch and method of use includes a hitch head assembly that is adjustable in height such that the fifth wheel hitch is compatible with different sizes of towing vehicles and fifth wheel trailers. The hitch head assembly also incorporates a funnel shaped design for receiving the kingpin of the fifth wheel trailer in a vertical fashion to prevent the kingpin from sliding horizontally out of the hitch head after being pulled forward by the towing vehicle. A four-way pivot joint accommodates instantaneous variations in pitch and/or roll attitudes between the towing vehicle and the fifth wheel trailer connected by the fifth wheel hitch. The hitch head assembly further includes a latching and locking mechanism that indicates whether or not a secure connection has been properly executed between the fifth wheel hitch and fifth wheel trailer to assure an operator that the towing vehicle is ready for travel.