King Pin Adaptor and Adjustable Ball Hitch Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional towing systems are not inherently interchangeable between king pin and ball hitch systems, limiting the versatility of towing trailers or similar structures with king pins.
Innovation Solution
A king pin adaptor and hitch assembly that allow a ball and hitch system to be used with trailers having a king pin, featuring a housing with a cutout section and a plate with matching grooves to form a cylindrical chamber, and a hitch assembly with cylindrical chambers and pin holes for secure positioning of a ball member at multiple vertical and horizontal positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional ball and hitch system is used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot be used with trailers having a king pin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a king pin adaptor as an intermediary device that connects the ball and hitch system to king pin trailers. The adaptor includes a housing with a cylindrical chamber that receives the king pin, and an opening that accommodates the ball member, effectively mediating between the two incompatible systems
Solution Approach 2:
The king pin adaptor serves multiple functions: it receives the king pin from the trailer, provides a mounting surface for the ball member, and enables the ball and hitch system to tow king pin trailers. This multi-functionality allows a single device to bridge two different towing systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ball member is fixed at a single position, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different towing configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ball member position dynamic rather than fixed. The ball member can be inserted and removed from different cylindrical chambers along the adaptor housing, allowing users to adjust the position based on specific towing requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor housing is segmented into multiple cylindrical chambers positioned at different locations. Each chamber can independently receive the ball member, creating discrete positioning options without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A king pin adaptor is provided for allowing a king pin, intended to connect to a fifth wheel hitch, to be attachable to a ball hitch assembly. A ball hitch assembly is provided having a plurality of vertical and longitudinal positions for securing a ball member to allow for greater flexibility in attaching to various towed structures. The king pin adaptor and ball hitch assembly may be used alone or together as components of a towing system for towing a trailer with a king pin or ball mount.