Gooseneck Hitch Chain Bracket Without Frame Drilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety chain attachment devices for gooseneck hitches often require drilling holes in the towing vehicle's frame, which is difficult due to high-strength steel and can weaken the frame, voiding warranties and causing obstruction when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A safety chain engaging device with a first bracket secured to the towing vehicle's rail and a second bracket with a plate member, featuring a safety chain engaging member laterally spaced from the rail, allowing attachment without drilling through the frame, and a method to secure the device using elongated plate members and fastening devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If safety chain attachment devices are secured to the towing vehicle frame, then safety chain attachment is achieved, but the frame is weakened and manufacturer warranties are voided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a safety chain attachment device that acts as an intermediary between the safety chain and the towing vehicle. The device includes a first bracket that attaches to the gooseneck hitch assembly and a second bracket with plate members that provide the attachment point for safety chains, eliminating the need to drill into the vehicle frame directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device is divided into separate components: a first bracket for securing to the rail or frame member, and a second bracket with plate members for chain attachment. This segmentation allows the device to be installed without drilling through the frame, preserving frame integrity while achieving safe chain attachment.
2Reliability
If holes are drilled in the frame for safety chain attachment, then attachment is achieved, but installation becomes extremely difficult due to high strength steel
Solution Approach 1:
The safety chain attachment device serves as an intermediary that attaches to existing structures (gooseneck hitch assembly or frame member) without requiring new holes to be drilled in the high-strength steel frame, making installation straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to attach to pre-existing structures on the towing vehicle (the rail or frame member that already holds the gooseneck hitch), eliminating the need for preliminary drilling operations in the high-strength steel frame.
3Reliability
If safety chain attachment devices are installed, then safety chain attachment is achieved, but the load bed is obstructed when the hitch is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is positioned in a location that does not obstruct the load bed opening. By attaching to the frame member or rail below the load bed and extending laterally with plate members, the device provides chain attachment functionality without blocking the vertical space needed for hitch installation and removal.
4Reliability
If additional holes are drilled in the load bed, then safety chain attachment is achieved, but the towing vehicle constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The safety chain attachment device acts as an intermediary that attaches to the gooseneck hitch assembly or frame member, avoiding the need to drill additional holes in the load bed and thus maintaining compatibility with towing vehicle constraints and manufacturer specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety chain engaging device for a towing vehicle having a gooseneck hitch attached with a rail of the towing vehicle is shown and described. The safety chain engaging device may include a first bracket configured to be secured with the rail of the towing vehicle, and a second bracket attached with the first bracket, the second bracket including a plate member spaced from the first bracket. The safety chain engaging device may also include at least one safety chain engaging member secured with the plate member, where the safety chain engaging member is configured to be laterally spaced from the rail upon securement of the first bracket with the rail.