Integrated Truck Hitch Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch mounting structures for pick-up trucks obstruct the truck bed when switching between gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches, as they are not designed for unobstructed use and require adapters that raise the hitch height, limiting bed accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An integrated support structure is attached to the truck frame rails below the bed, featuring a gooseneck ball receiver and mounting pads that can securely attach either a gooseneck hitch or a fifth wheel hitch, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without obstructing the bed, with the gooseneck ball receiver positioned forward of the rear axle and mounting pads aligned with access openings in the bed.
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 the hitch can receive gooseneck trailers, but the adapter raises the hitch height and obstructs more of the pick-up bed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the mounting structure from the traditional bed-floor level to beneath the bed, utilizing the vertical space in the third dimension. This allows the hitches to be positioned lower while keeping the bed surface unobstructed, resolving the contradiction between versatility and bed accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary support structure (the integrated mounting system with end inserts and mounting pads) that mediates between the truck frame and the hitches. This intermediary structure enables both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches to be mounted beneath the bed without requiring adapters that would obstruct the bed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches are mounted in the pick-up bed, then larger trailers can be towed with increased stability, but the truck bed is obstructed and accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention relocates the hitch mounting from the horizontal plane of the bed floor to the vertical space beneath the bed. This dimensional change maintains the stability benefits of high-mounted hitches while preserving bed accessibility, as the mounting structure occupies unused vertical space rather than horizontal bed space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the mounting function from the bed structure itself, creating a separate integrated support structure that attaches to the frame rails beneath the bed. This segmentation allows the bed to remain unobstructed while the hitch system maintains its stable mounting position.
3Ease of operation
If traditional bumper-pull hitches are used, then the truck bed remains unobstructed and accessible, but the stability and towing capacity for larger trailers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal mounting system that can accommodate both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches with equal effectiveness. The integrated support structure with adjustable end inserts and mounting pads provides multi-functionality, enabling the system to deliver the stability of frame-mounted hitches while maintaining bed accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary support structure that acts as a mediator between the bumper-pull hitch configuration (which preserves bed access) and the frame-mounted hitch configuration (which provides stability). This intermediary structure transfers the load to the frame rails beneath the bed while keeping the bed surface unobstructed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are used to switch between gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches, then hitch versatility is achieved, but the complexity of assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs a universal mounting system from the ground up, rather than requiring adapters to convert between hitch types. The integrated support structure with its adjustable end inserts and mounting pads is inherently capable of accommodating both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches, eliminating the need for separate adapters and simplifying the switching process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates dynamic adjustability in the end inserts and mounting pads, allowing the system to be easily reconfigured for different hitch types. This dynamic capability enables simple assembly and disassembly by moving adjustable components rather than installing and removing complex adapters.
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 mounting pads are formed integrally as part of a plurality of end inserts that are assembled to the body.