Gooseneck Towing Module With Pivoting Toe Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gooseneck towing systems require large counterweights, complex components, and pose safety risks due to the need for manual alignment and limited turning radius, especially when transitioning between hauling and towing configurations.
Innovation Solution
A gooseneck assembly with a toe extension that can pivot and lift disabled vehicles, allowing secure attachment to the vehicle frame, eliminating the need for counterweights and complex components, and enabling safer, more efficient towing with improved turning capabilities by using main lift cylinders and a rotatable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic cylinder assembly is mounted behind the rear axle to lift the gooseneck for towing, then the front tires of the disabled vehicle are lifted off the ground, but an upward force at the coupling causes rotation about the rear axle and requires a large counterweight assembly at the front of the towing vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional towing approach by mounting the hydraulic cylinder assembly in front of the rear axle rather than behind it. This reversal changes the force application point, creating a downward force at the coupling that prevents rotation about the rear axle, thereby eliminating the need for a large counterweight assembly at the front of the towing vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sliding mechanism that allows the gooseneck to move forward along the towing vehicle in addition to the vertical lifting motion. This additional dimensional movement enables the gooseneck to be positioned optimally for towing, improving force distribution and reducing counterweight requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gooseneck is designed for both hauling trailers and towing disabled vehicles, then the toe has dual function, but different sets of truck components are required for towing configuration adding complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the gooseneck assembly with universal components that can perform both trailer hauling and disabled vehicle towing functions. The toe is designed with a trunnion pin that can engage with either a trailer coupling or a disabled vehicle bumper, and the hydraulic cylinder assembly can operate in both configurations without requiring different sets of truck components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows the gooseneck to dynamically adjust its position along the towing vehicle. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to optimize its configuration for either trailer hauling or towing operations, providing versatility without requiring fixed, complex component sets for each mode.
3Reliability
If manual alignment is required to line up the trunnion pin with the bumper recess, then connection can be made, but it requires someone under the disabled vehicle relaying signals which puts the person in a dangerous situation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the toe and bumper interface with self-aligning features, including a tapered trunnion pin and corresponding recess geometry that guide automatic alignment during the towing connection process. This self-service alignment mechanism eliminates the need for manual positioning and signal relaying between personnel, thereby removing the safety hazard of having someone positioned under the disabled vehicle.
4Reliability
If the rotation point is at the center of the front bumper, then towing connection is achieved, but the turning radius is limited because a part of the toe can contact the bumper on sharp turns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the rotation point from the center of the front bumper to a position forward of the towing vehicle. This spatial repositioning in another dimension allows the toe to clear the bumper during sharp turns, enabling a larger turning radius while maintaining secure towing connection through the trunnion pin engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A gooseneck and towing module are used in conjunction with a turntable, pedestal, apron and lower lugs to tow a disabled haul truck. The towing module is designed to fit and connect to the disabled haul truck at the more substantial section of the frame by means of cables and shackles and/or pinned connections. With the end of the towing module locked in place, the main lift cylinders on the gooseneck can then be extended to cause the front portion of the towing module to seat against the bumper of the disabled haul truck. With continued extension of the main lift cylinders, the disabled haul truck will be lifted into the towing position, lifting the front tires off the ground.