Telescoping Trailer Hitch Layout for Stable Weight Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch systems for passenger cars and SUVs are limited to conventional bumper mounts, which restrict weight distribution and towing stability, while 5th wheel hitches are only suitable for trucks with open beds, leaving a need for improved hitch systems that enhance stability and load distribution for a wider range of vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping trailer hitch system that moves the hitch position forward and higher than the rear bumper, using a telescoping mechanism with a piston, dampers, and an outer support structure to distribute weight evenly over all tires, and incorporates a telescoping hitch with adjustable height settings for improved stability and load carrying capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional bumper mount hitch system is used, then the bed of the truck remains available for other uses, but the weight distribution and towing stability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system transitions from a conventional horizontal bumper-mounted configuration to a vertical roof-mounted configuration. This dimensional change allows the hitch to be positioned higher and forward, improving weight distribution and towing stability while keeping the truck bed accessible for other uses.
Solution Approach 2:
A structural frame system acts as an intermediary between the vehicle body and the hitch connector. This frame distributes the trailer loads across multiple attachment points on the vehicle body, improving weight distribution and stability while maintaining bed availability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a 5th wheel hitch system is used, then the weight carrying capability and dynamic stability are improved, but the truck bed becomes unusable for other things
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system extracts the connection function from the traditional bed-mounted 5th wheel location and relocates it to the roof of the vehicle. This allows the bed to remain fully accessible while maintaining the stability benefits of a higher, forward-mounted hitch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system moves the hitch connection point from the horizontal plane of the bed to the vertical dimension of the roof, achieving both improved stability and bed availability simultaneously.
3Strength
If the hitch is connected directly to the structural frame, then the vehicle can support the static and dynamic loads, but passenger cars and SUVs are limited to towing small, lightweight trailers
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system is designed with multiple attachment points on the vehicle body that can accommodate different vehicle types (trucks, SUVs, passenger cars). The modular frame structure and adjustable components allow the same basic system to be adapted to various vehicle platforms and load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustment of attachment point locations and structural reinforcement levels to match the specific load-bearing capacity of different vehicle types, enabling passenger cars to safely tow heavier trailers than conventional bumper mounts allow.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a roof mounted hitch system is used, then the weight distribution is improved, but the dynamic loads exceeded the structural integrity of the roof
Solution Approach 1:
A reinforced structural frame serves as an intermediary between the roof and the hitch connector. This frame distributes the concentrated loads from the hitch across multiple attachment points on the vehicle body, preventing any single point from exceeding structural integrity limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch system divides the load path into multiple segments through the structural frame, with separate attachment points and load-bearing elements distributed across the vehicle body. This segmentation prevents concentration of forces that could compromise roof integrity.
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 enhances towing stability and load carrying capacity by evenly distributing trailer weight over all tires, improving dynamic stability and allowing for trailers of comparable height to conventional designs, suitable for various vehicles including cars, SUVs, and trucks, with adjustable height settings for different driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a telescoping mechanism with a piston, dampers, and an outer support structure
Data Source
AI summary
A towable trailer comprising walls and a frame that is at least semi-external to the walls. The towable trailer frame may be comprised of welded aluminum beam elements to create a truss structure, and the beam elements protrude beyond the walls. A trailer entry system comprising a ramp door, wherein the ramp door is attached to a trailer frame and is removed or inserted into a pocket configured in the trailer frame for storage when the trailer is in transit. The ramp door may further comprise a non-skid tape or other friction coating to improve traction in both wet and dry conditions.