Adjustable Pin Box Assembly for Fifth Wheel Pivot Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pin box assemblies for towing vehicles lack flexibility in modifying the pivotal range of motion between the towed and towing vehicles, making it difficult to adjust under high towing forces.
Innovation Solution
A pin box assembly with an adjustment assembly that includes a wedge and an adjustment member, allowing for the adjustment of the range of motion by translating the wedge relative to the king pin, enabling easier and tool-free adjustments to the pivotal range without disengaging the king pin from the fifth wheel hitch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pivotable range of motion is modified by swapping or modifying members in the towing system, then the pivotal range can be adjusted, but the process becomes difficult due to high towing forces and various members incorporated with the towing system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the engagement device adjustable rather than fixed. The engagement device can be repositioned along the elongated arm to change the pivotal range of motion, allowing the system to adapt to different towing conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling range adjustment without requiring complex member swapping, as the engagement device itself becomes the dynamic element that modifies the system's behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the position of the engagement device along the elongated arm. By changing the location where the engagement device contacts the fifth wheel hitch, the pivotal range of motion is adjusted. This simple parameter change (position) allows versatile adjustment of the towing system's behavior without requiring complex mechanical modifications or dealing with high forces during the adjustment process.
2Reliability
If the engagement device is fixed to provide stable towing, then stability is maintained, but flexibility to modify pivotal range of motion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement device is designed as a dynamic component that can be repositioned along the elongated arm while maintaining secure engagement during towing. This allows the system to switch between stable operation (when engaged) and adjustable configuration (when repositioning), resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement device is segmented from the fixed structure, allowing it to be independently positioned and adjusted along the elongated arm. This segmentation enables the device to provide stable engagement at any selected position while still allowing flexibility to change positions, thus maintaining both reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a pin box assembly that includes an adjustment assembly configured to adjust a range of pivotal movement of a towed vehicle related to a towing vehicle. The pin box assembly includes a towed vehicle attachment member, an elongated arm, and a king pin with an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly may include a wedge and an adjustment member that is configured to translate or pivot the wedge relative to the king pin to modify a range of angular rotation between the elongated arm and the fifth wheel hitch.