Fifth Wheel Hitch Tilt Limiting Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fifth wheel hitch assemblies lack an effective mechanism to limit the tilt of the hitch plate relative to the vehicle frame, which can lead to instability and improper alignment, especially when retrofitted to vehicles with slide-type support systems.
Innovation Solution
A tilt limiting assembly comprising rack members, mounting members, bracket members, and a stop assembly that includes a pivot bar and abutment members to selectively limit the pivoting movement of the fifth wheel hitch plate, allowing for easy assembly and operation by unskilled personnel and compatibility with existing slide-type systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a tilt limiting mechanism is added to the fifth wheel hitch assembly, then the stability and alignment of the hitch plate is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt limiting mechanism is segmented into separate components: a stop assembly with abutment members, a pivot bar, and integration with existing rack members and bracket members. This segmentation allows the tilt limiting function to be added without redesigning the entire hitch assembly, thereby improving stability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop assembly and abutment members are designed to perform multiple functions: limiting tilt in both directions, working with either one or two rack members, and being compatible with both new installations and retrofits to existing slide-type systems. This multi-functionality allows a single addition to provide comprehensive tilt control without requiring multiple separate components.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex tilt limiting mechanism is designed, then the tilt control precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment members are designed with specific local geometries (such as angled surfaces or rounded edges) that provide precise tilt control at the critical contact points with the hitch plate. The rest of the components maintain simple, standard shapes that are easy to manufacture. This localized application of precision features achieves accurate tilt control without requiring high precision throughout the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot bar and abutment members are designed to self-align and self-adjust during assembly. The stop assembly automatically engages with the hitch plate at the correct tilt angle without requiring precise pre-positioning or complex adjustment procedures. This self-service design allows unskilled personnel to achieve proper tilt control simply by installing the components in their natural sequence.
3Device complexity
If the stop assembly is integrated with the mounting members, then the structural compactness is improved, but the ease of repair and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stop assembly is segmented as a separate, removable component from the mounting members and rack members. The abutment members and pivot bar can be detached as a unit or individually, allowing the tilt limiting mechanism to be repaired or replaced without removing the entire hitch assembly or the rack members. This segmentation maintains structural compactness during operation while enabling easy maintenance.
4Manufacturing precision
If the tilt limiting mechanism is designed for new installations only, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to existing systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stop assembly and abutment members are designed with universal mounting interfaces that work with both newly manufactured rack members and existing slide-type rack members. The bracket members can be attached to various positions on the vehicle frame, and the abutment members can engage with the hitch plate regardless of the specific rack member design. This universality allows the same tilt limiting mechanism to be precisely manufactured and effectively adapted to both new installations and retrofits of existing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A fifth wheel hitch plate support assembly includes a rack member adapted to be mounted to a vehicle frame member, a mounting member slidably engaging the rack member and selectively repositionable along a length of the rack member, wherein the mounting member is adapted to pivotably support a fifth wheel hitch plate therefrom, a bracket member separated from the mounting member and slidably engaging the rack member, and a stop assembly operably supported by the bracket member and adapted to abut the fifth wheel hitch plate to limit a pivoting movement of the fifth wheel hitch plate with respect to the mounting member.