Apparatus and method for measuring force on weight distribution hitches
A trailer force measurement system includes a tow hitch, a hitch mount connected to the tow hitch and a spring bar connected to the hitch mount. The trailer force measurement system also includes a trailer having a frame, where the spring bar is connected to the trailer frame via a bracket. A hitch coupler is then connected to the trailer frame and configured to releasably couple the trailer frame to the hitch mount. A force measurement device is then disposed on the bracket and configured to measure force exerted on the bracket by the spring bar.
1. A trailer force measurement system, comprising:
a tow hitch;
a hitch mount connected to the tow hitch;
a spring bar having a first end portion connected to the hitch mount;
a trailer having a frame, wherein a second end portion of the spring bar is connected to the trailer frame via a bracket;
a hitch coupler connected to the trailer frame and configured to releasably couple the trailer frame to the hitch mount; and
a force measurement device disposed between the spring bar and the bracket and configured to measure force exerted on the bracket by the spring bar.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the force measurement device measures compression force.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the force measurement device measures tension force.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the force measurement device is a load cell.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the force measurement device is a coil spring.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the force measurement device is a tension spring.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the force measurement device is a hydraulic piston.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the force measurement device is a strain gauge.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the force exerted on the bracket by the spring bar increases as a weight of the trailer increases.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bracket is formed as an L-shape.
11. A trailer weight distribution system, comprising:
a tow hitch;
a hitch mount connected to the tow hitch;
a spring bar connected to the hitch mount;
a trailer having a frame, wherein the spring bar is connected to the trailer frame via a flexible line;
a hitch coupler connected to the trailer frame and configured to releasably couple the trailer frame to the hitch mount; and
a force measurement device disposed on the flexible line and configured to measure force exerted on the line by the spring bar.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the force measurement device measures compression force.
13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the force measurement device measures tension force.
14. The system of claim 11 , wherein the force measurement device is a load cell.
15. The system of claim 11 , wherein the force measurement device is a coil spring.
16. The system of claim 11 , wherein the force measurement device is a tension spring.
17. The system of claim 11 , wherein the force exerted on the bracket by the spring bar increases as a weight of the trailer increases.
18. A trailer force measurement system, comprising:
a tow hitch;
a hitch mount connected to the tow hitch;
a spring bar connected to the hitch mount;
a trailer having a frame, wherein the spring bar is connected to the trailer frame via a bracket and the bracket is slidably connected to the trailer frame;
a hitch coupler connected to the trailer frame and configured to releasably couple the trailer frame to the hitch mount; and
a force measurement device disposed between the trailer frame and the bracket and configured to measure force exerted on the frame by the bracket.
19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the force measurement device measures compression force.
20. The system of claim 18 , wherein the force measurement device measures tension force.
21. The system of claim 18 , wherein the force measurement device is a load cell.
22. The system of claim 18 , wherein the force measurement device is a coil spring.
23. The system of claim 18 , wherein the force measurement device is a tension spring.
24. The system of claim 18 , wherein the force measurement device is a hydraulic piston.
25. The system of claim 18 , wherein the force measurement device is a strain gauge.
26. The system of claim 18 , wherein the force exerted on the trailer frame by the bracket increases as a weight of the trailer increases.
27. A trailer force measurement system, comprising:
a tow hitch;
a hitch mount connected to the tow hitch;
a flexible line having a first end portion connected to the hitch mount;
a trailer having a frame, wherein a second end portion of the flexible line is connected to the trailer frame via a bracket;
a hitch coupler connected to the trailer frame and configured to releasably couple the trailer frame to the hitch mount; and
a force measurement device disposed on the flexible line between the first and second end portions and configured to measure force exerted on the flexible line by the hitch mount.
28. A trailer force measurement system, comprising:
a tow hitch;
a hitch mount connected to the tow hitch;
a spring bar having a first end portion connected to the hitch mount;
a trailer having a frame, wherein a second end portion of the spring bar is connected to the trailer frame via a bracket;
a hitch coupler connected to the trailer frame and configured to releasably couple the trailer frame to the hitch mount; and
a force measurement device disposed on the spring bar between the spring bar and the bracket and configured to measure force exerted on the spring bar by the trailer.
29. A trailer force measurement system, comprising:
a tow hitch;
a hitch mount connected to the tow hitch;
a flexible line having a first end portion connected to the hitch mount;
a trailer having a frame, wherein a second end portion of the flexible line is connected to the trailer frame via a bracket;
a hitch coupler connected to the trailer frame and configured to releasably couple the trailer frame to the hitch mount; and
a force measurement device disposed between the bracket and the flexible line and configured to measure force exerted on the bracket by the flexible line.