Weight Distribution Spring Arm with Integrated Pin Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight distribution systems for towing vehicles are cumbersome, heavy, and require many parts, leading to increased looseness, wear, and costs, while also failing to effectively control sway in towed vehicles, especially when towing heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A weight distribution system with a spring arm configured to be directly engaged between plate members of a ball mount, using a pin to secure the spring arm, and an attachment mechanism to selectively place the spring arm in mechanical communication with a towed vehicle, reducing the number of components and weight, while providing improved sway dampening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional weight distribution systems use spring bars with intermediate parts (trunnions and tubular bushings), then the system can function, but the system becomes heavier, more complex, and requires more parts that add wear and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring bar and ball mount into a single integrated component. The spring bar is directly attached to the ball mount, eliminating the need for separate trunnions and tubular bushings. This merging of components reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the weight distribution function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the intermediate parts (trunnions and tubular bushings) from the system. By extracting these unnecessary components, the design achieves a simpler structure with fewer wear items, reduced weight, and lower cost while preserving the essential weight distribution capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional weight distribution systems use multiple intermediate parts, then the system can be assembled, but assembly becomes more time consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the spring bar and ball mount into one integrated component, the assembly process is simplified. Instead of assembling multiple separate parts (spring bar, trunnions, bushings, fasteners), the pre-integrated component requires fewer assembly steps and less time to install.
3Strength
If traditional systems use square spring bars with intermediate parts, then the system provides structural support, but the system experiences increased looseness and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate parts (trunnions and tubular bushings) that create looseness and wear points. By eliminating these components, the system reduces sources of friction and wear while maintaining structural support through the direct attachment of the spring bar to the ball mount.
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 achieves better weight distribution and sway control with fewer components, reduced weight, and easier assembly, resulting in less wear and lower costs, while maintaining performance and extending the system's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
spring arm configured to be operatively engaged between plate members of a ball mount
Implementation Method 2
spring arm configured to be operatively engaged between plate members of a ball mount, and a pin member inserted into the spring arm
Implementation Method 3
a pin member inserted into the spring arm, the pin member configured to secure the spring arm with the ball mount
Implementation Method 4
an attachment mechanism configured to selectively place the spring arm in mechanical communication with a towed vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A weight distribution system is shown and described. The weight distribution system may include a spring arm configured to be operatively engaged between plate members of a ball mount, and a pin member inserted into the spring arm, the pin member configured to secure the spring arm with the ball mount. The weight distribution system may also include an attachment mechanism configured to selectively place the spring arm in mechanical communication with a towed vehicle.