Gooseneck Trailer Guide for Hitch Ball Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aligning the hitch ball with the coupler on a gooseneck trailer is laborious and often requires assistance, as it typically necessitates multiple attempts and manual adjustments by the driver.
Innovation Solution
A gooseneck guide with a round arch portion and outwardly extending prongs is attached to the coupler, allowing for easier alignment of the hitch ball by guiding it into the coupler recess, enabling solo operation without additional assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment of the coupler over the hitch ball is performed without assistance, then the driver can operate alone, but the alignment process becomes laborious and time-consuming requiring multiple attempts
Solution Approach 1:
A guide assembly with a guide body and alignment indicator is introduced as an intermediary device between the coupler and the hitch ball. The guide assembly provides visual feedback through the alignment indicator that shows when the coupler is properly positioned over the hitch ball, eliminating the need for multiple trial attempts and reducing alignment time while allowing solo operation
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment indicator on the guide assembly provides real-time visual feedback to the driver about the alignment status. When the indicator shows proper alignment, the driver knows to complete the hitching action, reducing the need for multiple attempts and assistance while maintaining ease of operation
2Productivity
If a second person assists with alignment, then the hitching process becomes easier and faster, but the requirement for additional personnel increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly enables the driver to perform the alignment task independently by providing visual alignment indicators. The system is self-sufficient and does not require external assistance, maintaining high hitching speed while reducing operational complexity by eliminating the need for a second person
3Measurement precision
If multiple attempts are made to align the coupler, then the driver can achieve proper positioning, but the process becomes tiresome and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly acts as an intermediary that provides precise alignment information through its indicator, allowing the driver to achieve accurate positioning on the first attempt. This eliminates the need for multiple trial attempts, reducing fatigue while maintaining high alignment precision
Data Source
AI summary
A gooseneck trailer having a coupler attached to its neck. The coupler having a recess at its lower end, wherein the diameter of the recess is slightly larger than a diameter of the hitch ball, thus permitting the coupler to receive the hitch ball. The gooseneck trailer further comprises a guide attached to the lower end of the coupler over an exposed area around the recess. The guide having a round arch portion and a pair of prongs. The round arch having a crown portion and a pair of haunches. The radius of the curvature of the crown of the round arch is proportional to the radius of the hitch ball. The pair of prongs are continuous with the pair of haunches, wherein the crown portion, the two haunches, and the two prongs are integral.