Offset Gooseneck Hitch Adapter With Puck Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offset gooseneck ball adapters for truck bed-mounted towing systems rely solely on the center socket, creating a single failure point and poorly distributing torsional forces, which can lead to safety issues and towing difficulties.
Innovation Solution
An improved puck-mounted offset gooseneck ball adapter that secures to the center socket and includes an outrigger portion of a base plate, connecting to forwardly-located puck receivers, thereby more evenly distributing towing loads and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an offset gooseneck ball adapter is used that relies solely on the center socket, then the adapter can be installed and provide offset towing capability, but the towing loads are poorly distributed and create a single failure point
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is segmented into multiple attachment points: the center socket connection and additional forward puck receiver connections. This segmentation distributes the towing load across multiple independent attachment points rather than concentrating it all on the center socket, thereby improving reliability while maintaining offset towing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter combines multiple connection methods into a single integrated structure: it merges the center socket connection with forward puck receiver connections into one unified adapter assembly. This combining approach allows the system to benefit from both connection types simultaneously, distributing loads while providing a single installable unit that delivers improved reliability
2Ease of operation
If the center socket is used for offset gooseneck ball connection, then the adapter can be installed, but the center socket is subjected to significant torsional forces it is not intended to withstand
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter segments the load path by introducing forward puck receiver connections that are specifically designed to handle torsional forces. This segmentation transfers the torsional load from the center socket to the forward receivers, which are better suited for handling such forces, while maintaining ease of installation through a unified adapter design
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary between the towing vehicle's puck system and the offset gooseneck ball. It mediates the force transmission by routing loads through multiple paths: direct center socket connection for vertical loads and forward receiver connections for torsional loads, thereby protecting the center socket from excessive torsional stress while maintaining installation simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A gooseneck ball extender is designed to mate with a center socket and receivers mounted to a towing vehicle and provide a gooseneck ball that is offset from the center socket. The extender has a cylindrical shaft that can be releasably secured to the center socket. The extender has fore and aft base plates that have puck locks that can be releasably secured to the receivers. The puck locks are rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The extender has parallel rails that are affixed to the fore and aft base plates that can receive a fifth wheel coupler. The extender can switch between a gooseneck attachment and a fifth wheel/kingpin attachment without having to remove the fifth wheel. The fifth wheel frame is supported by the fixed rails. The fifth wheel frame can be secured to the gooseneck frame in a first position where it at least partially blocks the gooseneck ball and a second position where the gooseneck ball is useable. If the convertible coupler is used with a puck system, a puck-to-rail frame is attached to the towing vehicle and the gooseneck frame is affixed to the puck-to-rail frame.