Trailer Hitch Load Redistribution for Vehicle Pitch Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tow hitches, particularly overhung hitches, cause an undesirable weight distribution on vehicles by transferring a significant portion of the trailer's weight to the rear wheels, affecting vehicle handling and dynamics due to the induced pitch moment, and existing load leveling systems are cumbersome and time-consuming to install.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a fluid or electrically operated force generator and force transmission coupling to apply a counter-moment about the pitch axis, counteracting the trailer's load moment, with articulated joints providing rotational freedom, and a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder to adjust load distribution between vehicle axles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an overhung hitch is used to connect the trailer to the vehicle, then the trailer can be securely attached with freedom of movement, but the load distribution on the vehicle wheels becomes unbalanced with excessive weight on the rear wheels
Solution Approach 1:
A load distribution device is introduced as an intermediary component between the hitch ball and the trailer coupler. This device includes a load distribution bar that pivots at the hitch ball and connects to spring bars, which in turn connect to the trailer frame. The intermediary mechanism redistributes the downward force from the hitch ball through the spring bars to the trailer frame, reducing the moment arm effect and balancing the load on vehicle wheels while maintaining attachment freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring bars in the load distribution device act as counterweight elements. They are positioned and tensioned to provide an upward counterbalancing force that offsets the excessive downward moment created by the overhung hitch configuration. This counterbalancing action redistributes the load from the rear vehicle wheels to the front vehicle wheels, achieving balanced weight distribution while preserving the overhung hitch's attachment versatility.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical load leveling systems are used to balance the weight distribution, then the load can be redistributed, but the installation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The load distribution device is pre-assembled as an integrated unit with the load distribution bar, pivots, and spring bars configured together before installation. The spring bars are pre-tensioned and the connection points are pre-positioned, allowing the entire load distribution mechanism to be installed as a single assembly. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site adjustments and measurements, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring proper load balance from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple components that would traditionally be installed separately—the load distribution bar, pivots, spring bars, and connection hardware—are merged into a single integrated load distribution device. This consolidation allows all load-balancing elements to be installed simultaneously in one operation rather than requiring sequential installation and adjustment of multiple separate components, thereby reducing installation time and complexity while achieving the desired load distribution balance.
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 effectively balances the load distribution between the front and rear wheels, improving vehicle handling and dynamics by reducing the adverse effects of trailer weight transfer, while being more efficient and less cumbersome than traditional mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder to adjust load distribution between vehicle axles
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder to adjust load distribution between vehicle axles
Data Source
AI summary
Systems 40 are described for changing the load applied to wheels 18 on different axles A1, A2 of a towing vehicle 10 to minimise the adverse effect on the dynamics and operation of the vehicle 10 created by the pitch moment applied by a hitched trailer 12. The systems 40 include a force generator 42 arranged to apply a force between the vehicle 10 and the trailer 12, and a force transmission coupling 44 arranged to transmit force applied by the force generator 42 for the purpose of changing the load applied to the wheels 18 by the trailer 12. This change is to counter or oppose the change in load produced by hitching of the trailer to the vehicle. The systems 40 are applicable to various types of hitching arrangements including a ball joint type hitch and a four-bar articulated joint.