Vehicle Subframe Brackets for Multi-Hitch Mounting Without Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch systems for vehicles, such as fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches, often require labor-intensive conversions to accommodate both types and lack additional uses beyond their primary function.
Innovation Solution
A subframe attachment system with independently attachable mounting brackets to vehicle frame rails, featuring inner and outer members with fasteners and compression tubes, allowing secure mounting of multiple hitch types without conversion and enabling additional uses like fifth wheel platform and hitch mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hitch system is designed to accommodate only one type (fifth wheel or gooseneck), then the structural design is simple, but the system cannot accommodate both hitch types without labor-intensive conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitch types through a single structure. The bracket includes multiple attachment points and configurable mounting positions that allow it to function with different hitch configurations without requiring conversion components or complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Strength
If mounting brackets are attached to vehicle frame rails, then the hitch system gains structural support, but the installation process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into separate modular components including the main bracket body, attachment plates, and fastening mechanisms. These segmented parts can be independently positioned and secured to the vehicle frame rails, allowing for simplified installation without requiring complex assembly procedures or specialized tools.
3Ease of operation
If the mounting structure extends through the cargo bed floor, then accessibility from the cargo bed is maintained, but the structural integrity of the cargo bed may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket uses reinforcement plates and distribution members that act as intermediaries between the mounting structure and the cargo bed floor. These intermediary components spread the load across a larger area of the cargo bed, maintaining structural integrity while still allowing the mounting structure to extend through the floor for accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A subframe attachment system includes mounting brackets configured to be attached to a respective longitudinal rail of a vehicle frame. Each mounting bracket includes a mounting structure configured to be accessible from the cargo bed, an inner member, and outer member. The inner member is located at an inboard side of the respective longitudinal rail and includes a first upper end positioned above a top side of the respective longitudinal rail and a first lower end positioned below a bottom side of the respective longitudinal rail. The outer member is located at an outboard side of the respective longitudinal rail and includes a second upper end positioned above the top side of the respective longitudinal rail and secured to the first upper end of the inner member, and a second lower end position below the bottom side of the respective longitudinal rail and secured to the first lower end.