Gooseneck Coupler Assembly Pivot Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extended cab pickup trucks with standard wheelbase chassis lack sufficient clearance between the axle and rear cab to allow trailers to pivot up to 90 degrees without contacting the cab, leading to operational difficulties and potential damage or injury during turns.
Innovation Solution
A gooseneck coupler assembly with a pivot retention mechanism that prevents rotational movement relative to the hitch ball, allowing only vertical pivotal movement, and an extension arm that offsets the pivot connection rearward to enable 90-degree turns without cab contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gooseneck hitch is used to enable 90-degree turns, then the trailer can pivot to sharper angles, but the trailer may contact the truck cab causing damage or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second degree of freedom by allowing rotation about a horizontal axis (transverse axis) in addition to the vertical axis rotation. This dimensional change enables the coupler arm to clear the truck cab during sharp turns while maintaining proper weight distribution through the vertical pivot point positioning
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hitch ball is mounted directly over the rear axle to maintain proper weight distribution, then weight distribution is optimized, but the trailer cannot pivot 90 degrees without contacting the cab
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotation function into two separate joints: a first joint for rotation about a vertical axis and a second joint for rotation about a horizontal axis. This segmentation allows each joint to perform its specific function independently, enabling both proper weight distribution maintenance and 90-degree pivoting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic, multi-axis rotation system that adapts its orientation based on operational needs. The coupler assembly can dynamically adjust between vertical pivot for weight distribution and horizontal pivot for clearance, providing both stability and adaptability
3Stability of the object's composition
If a pivot retention mechanism is added to prevent rotation about vertical axis, then weight distribution is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot retention mechanism dynamically engages and disengages based on operational conditions, allowing rotation about the vertical axis when needed for coupling while maintaining stability during towing through the horizontal axis rotation capability
Data Source
AI summary
The present application describes a gooseneck coupler assembly that may include a gooseneck trailer pivot, an extension arm, and a pivot retention mechanism having a ball socket. The ball socket may engage with a hitch ball located on a towing vehicle. The gooseneck trailer pivot may be mounted on a towed vehicle or trailer and be capable of pivoting about a vertical axis relative to the trailer. During engagement, the ball socket and the extension arm may provide tilt capability but thereby prevent any rotational movement relative to the hitch ball. However, the gooseneck coupler assembly may still be able to tilt fore-and-aft or side-to-side relative to the hitch ball. Therefore, the only pivotal movement relative to a vertical axis would be permitted at the gooseneck trailer pivot.