Trailer Hitch Lateral Shift Pivot Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch systems that allow lateral shift interfere with the tow hitch on tractors, limiting the types of trailers that can be towed and requiring removal or workarounds, as they need to be carried by the tractor and modified, which is inconvenient and restrictive.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch apparatus with a pivot frame and actuators that allows lateral shifting of the hitch point without modifying the towing vehicle, featuring a forward portion attachable to the vehicle, a rearward portion attachable to the trailer, and a central portion connecting the two, enabling pivoting about vertical axes with hydraulic or pneumatic actuators for adjusting alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing lateral shift devices are mounted on the towing vehicle, then lateral alignment adjustment is achieved, but the devices interfere with the tow hitch and limit trailer types
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the lateral shift mechanism on the towing vehicle as in existing devices, this invention inverts the approach by mounting the mechanism on the trailer itself. The pivot frame with lateral shifting capability is attached to the trailer tongue, while the towing vehicle simply provides a fixed hitch connection. This reversal eliminates interference with the tow hitch while maintaining alignment adjustment functionality, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If existing lateral shift devices are carried by the tractor, then alignment control is possible, but removal or workarounds are required for different trailers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention shifts the lateral shift mechanism from the towing vehicle to the trailer, eliminating the need to remove or workaround the device when changing trailers. The pivot frame and actuators remain permanently mounted on the trailer tongue, allowing immediate alignment control with any compatible trailer without time-consuming removal or adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
By mounting the lateral shift mechanism on the trailer rather than the towing vehicle, the system becomes universally applicable to different trailer types and towing vehicles. The standardized hitch connector allows the same trailer-mounted device to work with various towing vehicles, eliminating the need for device removal or modification when switching between different trailers or vehicles.
3Ease of operation
If the hitch apparatus is mounted on the towing vehicle, then lateral shifting is achieved, but modification of the towing vehicle is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the mounting location from the towing vehicle to the trailer, eliminating the need to modify the towing vehicle's frame or hitch structure. The pivot frame with lateral shifting capability is installed on the trailer tongue using standard trailer components, making installation simpler and avoiding permanent modifications to the towing vehicle.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If existing devices are removed when not needed, then interference with tow hitch is avoided, but convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the lateral shift mechanism from the towing vehicle to the trailer, the device remains permanently installed without causing interference to the tow hitch. The trailer-mounted pivot frame operates independently and does not obstruct the towing vehicle's hitch area, eliminating the need for removal while maintaining continuous convenience and functionality.
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
Enables easy retrofitting to existing trailers without modifying the tractor, allowing for flexible alignment adjustments without needing to be carried by the tractor, accommodating various trailers and implements with enhanced usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The hitch apparatus may also include at least one actuator connected to at least two of said portions of the pivot frame and configured to pivot the portions with respect to each other. Actuation of the at least one actuator may move the forward portion of the pivot frame between shifted left condition and a shifted right condition
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch apparatus for laterally shifting a hitch point of a trailer when towed behind a towing vehicle to effectively adjust an alignment of a longitudinal axis of the trailer with respect to a longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle. The hitch apparatus may comprise a pivot frame including a forward portion configured for attachment to a towing vehicle, a rearward portion configured for attachment to the trailer, and a central portion pivotally connecting the forward and rearward portions together. At least one actuator may be connected to at least two portions of the pivot frame to pivot the portions with respect to each other. Actuation of the actuator may move the forward portion of the pivot frame between shifted left condition and a shifted right condition with respect to the rearward portion and a trailer when the rearward portion is mounted on a trailer.