Gooseneck Coupler Telescopic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer coupling methods, such as ball hitches, can be impractical for heavy trailers as they distribute the load unevenly and may require complex installations for fifth wheel hitches, lacking ease of use and stability, especially when dealing with heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A gooseneck coupler design featuring a telescopically movable outer tube relative to an inner tube, with a locking assembly and support bracket, including set screws for secure engagement and visual indicators for proper extension, allowing for secure and stable coupling of trailers to towing vehicles without hindering bed usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ball hitch is used to connect a trailer to a towing vehicle, then the connection is simple and easy to install, but the load distribution is uneven and stability is poor when towing heavy trailers
Solution Approach 1:
The gooseneck coupler incorporates a telescoping mechanism with inner and outer tubes that allow dynamic adjustment of the coupler's length. This dynamic structure enables the coupler to adapt to different towing conditions and heights, improving both ease of installation and towing stability by allowing the system to respond to varying load conditions rather than being fixed in a single configuration.
2Reliability
If a fifth wheel hitch is used to secure a trailer to the bed of a towing vehicle, then towing stability is improved for heavy loads, but the installation requires tools and is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gooseneck coupler is divided into separable components including an outer tube, inner tube, locking plate, and locking assembly. This segmentation allows the coupler to be easily assembled and disassembled without requiring specialized tools, while still providing the structural integrity needed for stable heavy-load towing. The modular design enables quick installation and removal by simply engaging and locking the telescoping sections together.
3Reliability
If a gooseneck coupler with manual clamping arrangement is used, then the connection is secure, but the operation requires manual effort and is not automated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is designed to automatically engage and lock the inner tube within the outer tube through a self-locking mechanism. The locking plate and locking pins automatically secure the telescoping sections when the coupler is assembled, eliminating the need for manual clamping operations while maintaining secure connection. The system serves itself by automatically establishing the locked configuration upon proper assembly.
4Reliability
If the hitch ball is permanently secured to the frame or bed of the towing vehicle, then the connection is stable and secure, but the bed usage is hindered when the ball is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The gooseneck coupler's telescoping design allows the hitch ball assembly to be raised and lowered dynamically. When not in use, the coupler can be positioned in a retracted configuration that clears the truck bed, allowing full bed usage. When towing is required, the coupler extends to the operational position, providing both bed accessibility and secure connection capability as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A gooseneck coupler for engaging a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle is described. The coupler includes an outer tube having apertures that is moveable relative to an inner tube secured to a base plate. A locking plate is pivotally secured to the base plate, wherein the locking plate and base plate both include alignable locking pin apertures. A locking assembly includes a handle and a locking pin that is insertable into the locking pin apertures. A support bracket is secured to the inner tube. The support bracket includes a stop portion and a spacer portion that aligns the locking pin into the locking pin apertures. The coupler also includes set screws locatable through the apertures, wherein the set screws are tightened onto the inner tube to prevent movement of the outer tube. The set screws function as a visual indicator that the outer tube has been over extended.