L-Shaped Fifth Wheel Towing Device for Hitch Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tow hitches are not compatible with fifth-wheel couplings, limiting the ability to use a tractor with a fifth wheel to tow trailers equipped with ball or pintle hitches.
Innovation Solution
A detachable towing device configured as an 'L' shape with a vertical and horizontal member, featuring a hitch assembly, lift arms, and a frame pan that can be securely attached to a towing vehicle's fifth wheel, allowing for the connection of various hitches like pintle or ball hitches to trailers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fifth wheel coupling is used on a towing vehicle, then the vehicle can tow large trailers (10,000-30,000 pounds), but the vehicle cannot tow trailers with ball or pintle hitches due to incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a fifth wheel assembly that can perform multiple functions: it can engage with both traditional fifth wheel couplings and alternatively with ball hitches or pintle hitches. The assembly includes a fifth wheel coupling device with a jaw structure that can alternatively receive different hitch types, making a single towing vehicle adaptable to various trailer configurations without requiring separate towing devices for each hitch type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ball hitches are used, then compatibility with various trailers is maintained, but they cannot be used with fifth wheel couplings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fifth wheel assembly reconfigurable. The assembly can dynamically switch between different engagement modes: engaging with a fifth wheel coupling using the jaw structure, or alternatively engaging with ball hitches or pintle hitches. This dynamic adaptability allows the same structural assembly to serve different towing capacity requirements and compatibility needs without permanent modification.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed fifth wheel coupling is used, then structural stability is maintained, but the device cannot be removed or reconfigured for different hitch types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the towing device into separable components: the fifth wheel assembly is designed to be removable from the towing vehicle frame. This segmentation allows the entire assembly to be detached and replaced, or reconfigured, to accommodate different hitch types. The modular design maintains structural stability during use while enabling flexibility when reconfiguration is needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to towing devices. More specifically, the invention relates to a towing device configured to be mounted on a towing vehicle having a fifth wheel. The towing device may include a horizontal member and a vertical member. A frame pan extends below the horizontal member and includes connection members which are movable through slits and configured to engage and secure to the frame of the towing vehicle. The vertical member of the towing device includes a hitch assembly to facilitate the connection of a hitch, such as a pintle or ball hitch, to a coupler of a trailer.