Pivoting Latch Weight Distribution Hitch for Sway and Uneven Terrain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer hitches face challenges such as tedious setup and adjustment, potential for trailer sway, and instability on uneven terrain due to stiff moment bars, which can lead to safety issues and reduced traction.
Innovation Solution
A weight distribution hitch system with a compliant moment bar made from flexible materials like fiberglass reinforced polymers, which allows for easier setup, improved sway control, and stability on uneven ground by reducing the need for frequent adjustments and providing a larger 'green zone' for tongue weight variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If equalizer hitches use spring bars to exert a moment on the vehicle, then weight distribution is improved, but setup complexity and adjustment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter from bar stiffness to bar length for achieving weight distribution. By varying the length of rigid bars (moment bars) attached to the vehicle frame, the system achieves moment application without requiring flexible spring bars, thereby simplifying setup and adjustment procedures while maintaining effective weight distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable moment bar lengths that can be dynamically changed to accommodate different towing conditions. The bars can be repositioned along the vehicle frame at multiple attachment points, allowing users to adapt the weight distribution characteristics without complex adjustments or special tools
2Strength
If rigid moment bars are used, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to uneven terrain and tongue weight variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed rigid bars to adjustable rigid bars that can be repositioned along the vehicle frame. The moment bars can be attached at multiple positions to accommodate different tongue weights and terrain conditions, providing adaptability while maintaining the structural strength of rigid construction
Solution Approach 2:
The moment bars are designed as segmented or modular components with multiple attachment points along their length. This segmentation allows the bars to be positioned at optimal locations for different towing scenarios, combining the strength of rigid structures with the adaptability of adjustable configuration
3Manufacturing precision
If frequent adjustments are required, then load distribution precision is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pre-marked attachment points and pre-configured moment bar lengths that are optimized for common towing scenarios. Users can achieve accurate load distribution by simply selecting the appropriate pre-marked position rather than performing complex measurements and adjustments, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system simplifies setup and adjustment, enhances safety by reducing trailer sway and maintaining stability on uneven terrain, and dampens moments induced by road bumps, ensuring consistent traction and load distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A weight distribution hitch system with a compliant moment bar made from flexible materials like fiberglass reinforced polymers, which allows for easier setup, improved sway control, and stability on uneven ground
Implementation Method 2
a releasable tension member comprising a top portion configured to be pivotally supported by a frame member of the trailer and configured to pivot about a horizontal axis, and a bottom portion configured to support the rearward end of the moment bar
Implementation Method 3
a moment bar preload mechanism configured to push up the moment bar rearward end to thereby preload the moment bar
Implementation Method 4
the swing latch provides sway control through friction between the bar and the moment bar when the bar is in the engaged position
Data Source
AI summary
A weight distribution hitch system comprising a vehicle attachment member comprising a forward end configured to rigidly attach to a vehicle, and a rearward end extending rearwardly toward a trailer, the rearward end comprising an upper portion comprising a trailer attachment member configured to pivotally attach to a coupler of the trailer, and a lower portion configured to receive a moment bar; a moment bar having a modulus of elasticity, the moment bar comprising a moment bar forward end attached to the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member so as to prevent rotation about a horizontal axis, and a moment bar rearward end; a releasable tension member comprising a top portion configured to be pivotally supported by a frame member of the trailer and configured to pivot about a horizontal axis, and a bottom portion configured to support the rearward end of the moment bar; and a moment bar preload mechanism configured to push up the moment bar rearward end to thereby preload the moment bar; wherein, when the moment bar rearward end has been preloaded, the releasable tension member can be pivoted between a first angular position and a second angular position below the preloaded moment bar; wherein, when the tension member is in tension, it imposes an upward force on the moment bar rearward end, which, in turn, imposes a forward moment on the vehicle is disclosed.