Adjustable Coupler Lock with Movable Ball Cavity Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupler locks are designed for specific coupler models and sizes, failing to provide effective security for a wide variety of trailer couplers, leaving them vulnerable to unauthorized access and towing.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable coupler lock assembly featuring a body with a ball cavity engagement mechanism and securing mechanism, allowing for engagement with various coupler designs and sizes, including those with or without flanges, through a movable ball-like protrusion and locking mechanism that can be adjusted and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coupler locks are designed for specific coupler models and sizes, then the locking mechanism can provide secure engagement, but the device cannot accommodate a wide variety of coupler designs and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The ball cavity engagement member is made movable relative to the body, allowing it to be positioned at different locations to accommodate various coupler ball cavity positions. The securing mechanism fixes the engagement member at specific positions, providing reliable locking while enabling adaptability across different coupler designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly is designed with a universal body configuration that can engage with multiple coupler types. The ball cavity engagement member serves multiple functions by being movable to different positions, allowing the same device to securely lock various coupler models and sizes.
2Device complexity
If the ball cavity engagement member is fixed in position, then the assembly structure is simplified, but the device cannot accommodate different coupler ball cavity positions
Solution Approach 1:
The ball cavity engagement member is designed to be movable along the body to accommodate different coupler ball cavity positions. The securing mechanism allows the engagement member to be fixed at specific positions during operation, providing adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly is divided into separable components: a body and a movable ball cavity engagement member. This segmentation allows the engagement member to be independently positioned and secured, providing flexibility to accommodate various coupler configurations without complicating the overall assembly.
3Reliability
If a securing mechanism is added to fix the ball cavity engagement member position, then reliable locking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user through simple operation, automatically fixing the ball cavity engagement member at the appropriate position. This self-service approach provides reliable locking without requiring complex external mechanisms or additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for restricting access to a coupler includes a body, a ball cavity engagement member; and a securing mechanism. The body is configured for engagement with at least one surface of the coupler. The body includes a coupler engagement portion. The ball cavity engagement member is movably coupled to the body and configured for engagement with a ball cavity of the coupler. The securing mechanism can fix the position of the ball cavity engagement member relative to the body such that the assembly is secured to the coupler.