Trailer Hitch Support Plate Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fifth wheel trailer hitch assemblies cause damage to pickup truck beds due to downward forces exerted by their feet, leading to denting, rust, and corrosion, which affects the vehicle's aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus comprising a support plate with longitudinal troughs and a hook mechanism that secures to the hitch assembly, distributing the forces away from the truck bed's ridges onto troughs, thereby reducing damage and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fifth wheel hitch assembly is directly mounted on the truck bed, then the hitch assembly is stable and secure, but the truck bed suffers damage including denting, rust, and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate serves as an intermediary component positioned between the fifth wheel hitch assembly and the truck bed. It has an upper surface that receives the hitch assembly feet and a lower surface that rests on the truck bed loading surface, distributing forces and preventing direct contact that causes damage
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate is divided into functional zones including an upper surface for receiving the hitch assembly, a lower surface for contacting the truck bed, and longitudinal troughs for force distribution. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function in protecting the truck bed while maintaining hitch stability
2Area of stationary object
If the support plate has a smooth flat surface, then it provides good contact with the truck bed, but it does not effectively distribute forces away from the bed ridges
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate features longitudinal troughs formed in its lower surface, creating areas of different structural properties. The troughs are positioned to align with the truck bed ridges, concentrating force distribution in specific zones that effectively redirect loads away from the vulnerable bed ridges while maintaining overall contact area
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a support plate for a trailer hitch. The plate has an upper surface adapted to receive at least a portion of a base of a trailer hitch assembly thereon and a lower surface adapted to rest on a loading surface of a pickup truck. The plate may have a longitudinal trough formed therein and the trough may be sized to fit between ridges formed in the loading surface. The invention is designed to transfer downward forces from the trailer hitch assembly to the areas of the truck bed between the ridges to help prevent the hitch assembly from smashing or denting the ridges.