Integrated Truck Bed Hitch Support Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch mounting structures for pick-up trucks often obstruct the truck bed when switching between gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches, limiting unobstructed use of the bed.
Innovation Solution
An integrated support structure is provided beneath the truck bed, featuring a gooseneck ball receiver and a symmetrical array of pucks that can selectively secure either a gooseneck trailer hitch or a fifth wheel receiver pedestal, allowing for easy assembly and unobstructed bed access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gooseneck adapter is added to a fifth wheel mount to attach a gooseneck trailer, then compatibility with gooseneck trailers is improved, but the pick-up bed becomes more obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mounting points for both fifth wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches, eliminating the need for separate adapters. The structure includes a gooseneck ball receiver and fifth wheel puck receivers that can be used independently or together, allowing the same base structure to support different trailer types without adding obstructive adapter components.
Solution Approach 2:
The gooseneck ball receiver is extracted as a separate, dedicated component from the fifth wheel mounting system. Instead of adding a gooseneck adapter to the fifth wheel mount, the invention provides a distinct gooseneck ball receiver that mounts to the same integrated support structure, thereby removing the need for obstructive adapters while maintaining both hitch types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different adapters are used to switch between gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches, then hitch versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single integrated support structure provides universal mounting capability for both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches. The structure includes both fifth wheel puck receivers and a gooseneck ball receiver mounted to the same base, allowing users to switch between hitch types by simply changing the trailer coupling rather than installing different adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated support structure merges the fifth wheel mounting system and gooseneck mounting system into a single unified structure. Both fifth wheel puck receivers and the gooseneck ball receiver are mounted to the same integrated support structure that attaches to the truck frame, consolidating what would otherwise be separate adapter systems into one cohesive unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are installed to enable both gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches, then hitch versatility is improved, but the clear area of the truck bed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gooseneck ball receiver is extracted as a separate component that mounts to the integrated support structure without requiring a fifth wheel adapter. This extraction eliminates the need for obstructive adapter components that would otherwise be required to achieve dual hitch capability, preserving maximum truck bed clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated support structure provides universal mounting for both hitch types in a space-efficient manner. By mounting both fifth wheel puck receivers and the gooseneck ball receiver to the same integrated structure that attaches to the truck frame, the design achieves dual hitch capability while minimizing the space occupied in the truck bed area.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated support structure apparatus is provided for attaching either a fifth wheel trailer hitch or a gooseneck trailer hitch to a truck bed. The integrated support structure comprises an H-shaped body that is attached to at least one truck frame rail below the truck bed. A gooseneck ball receiver is attached to a central portion of the body and aligned with a gooseneck opening in the truck bed. A plurality of receptacles are attached to the body in an array and are aligned with a corresponding plurality of pedestal access openings in the truck bed.