Underbed Hitch Assembly with Single Cross-Member

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underbed hitch systems for vehicles cannot accommodate both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches without labor-intensive conversions and often require additional structural support members, which complicates packaging and increases manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A single cross-member with a gooseneck ball receiver and multiple mounting pads that can be attached to the truck's frame rails independently, allowing for the secure attachment of either a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch without additional structural supports, leveraging existing suspension components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cross-car structural support members are added to accommodate both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches, then the system can support both hitch types, but the packaging complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitchesVSAvoidnumber of cross-car structural support members

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single cross-member is designed with multiple functions: it serves as both a structural support element and a mounting platform for both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitch systems. The cross-member includes integrated mounting pads and reinforcement features that accommodate both hitch types without requiring separate structural components, thereby achieving versatility while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of multiple cross-car support members into a single integrated cross-member. This consolidation integrates the structural support function with the hitch mounting function, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and reducing packaging complexity while maintaining the ability to support both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cross-car structural support members are added to accommodate both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches, then the system can support both hitch types, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitchesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single cross-member is designed with multiple functions: it serves as both a structural support element and a mounting platform for both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitch systems. The cross-member includes integrated mounting pads and reinforcement features that accommodate both hitch types without requiring separate structural components, thereby achieving versatility while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of multiple cross-car support members into a single integrated cross-member. This consolidation integrates the structural support function with the hitch mounting function, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and reducing packaging complexity while maintaining the ability to support both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single cross-member with integrated mounting pads is used, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the mounting precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of cross-car structural support membersVSAvoidmounting pad alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting pads are pre-formed as integral features of the cross-member during the manufacturing process. This preliminary formation ensures that the mounting pads are precisely positioned and aligned with the cross-member's structural features before installation, eliminating the need for field alignment adjustments and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of multiple cross-car support members into a single integrated cross-member. This consolidation integrates the structural support function with the hitch mounting function, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and reducing packaging complexity while maintaining the ability to support both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9150067B2Underbed support assembly for fifth wheel and gooseneck hitch systems

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 FCA US LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for attaching either a gooseneck trailer hitch or a fifth wheel trailer hitch to a truck bed can include a single cross-member, a gooseneck ball receiver and a plurality of mounting pads. The single cross-member can be attached to first and second truck longitudinal frame rails. The gooseneck ball receiver can be coupled to the single cross-member and aligned with a gooseneck hitch opening in the truck bed. The plurality of mounting pads can be spaced apart from the single cross-member and can be attached to the frame rails independent of the single cross-member. The plurality of mounting pads can be aligned with a corresponding plurality of access openings in the truck bed. The single cross-member can be a suspension cross-member supporting at least first and second suspension members.