Adjustable Trailer Hitch Lock With External Padlock Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hitch locking devices are insecure due to their internal locking mechanisms, weak materials, and poor design, making them unsuitable for high-value trailers as they can be easily broken or bypassed.
Innovation Solution
A modular hitch lock with a robust Lock Bar design that accepts external padlocks, constructed from AR500 steel, allowing for adjustable fitment across various trailer couplers and enhanced security against cutting, prying, and breaking, using a Lock Bar and mating notches for adaptability and an external lock mechanism for user-selectable security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal locking mechanisms are used, then the device structure is simple, but the security reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from the hitch lock body itself and relocates it to a separate external padlock. The hitch lock now only provides the shackle and mounting structure, while the actual locking mechanism is performed by the user's choice of external padlock. This separation allows the hitch lock to achieve high security through user-selected robust padlocks without requiring a complex internal locking mechanism within the hitch lock body.
Solution Approach 2:
The shackle acts as an intermediary component that connects the hitch lock body to the trailer coupler while being secured by an external padlock. This intermediary structure allows the external padlock to secure the connection without requiring the padlock to be integrated into the hitch lock body, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving high security.
2Strength
If cast aluminum and inexpensive materials are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the strength and resistance to breaking is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material qualities to different components based on their specific functional requirements. The hitch lock body and shackle are made from high-strength materials (4140 or 4150 steel alloy) to resist breaking and prying, while accepting that this increases manufacturing cost. The external padlock can be selected by the user based on their security needs and budget, allowing them to choose between more or less expensive options.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch lock utilizes composite material construction, combining 4140 or 4150 steel alloy for the structural components (body and shackle) with various padlock materials selected by the user. This composite approach allows optimization of each component's material properties for its specific function while achieving overall high strength and break resistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed design is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the adaptability to different trailer couplers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic adjustability into the hitch lock design through the positionable shackle and adjustable arm mechanism. The shackle can be positioned at multiple locations along the arm, and the arm itself can be adjusted to accommodate different coupler sizes and types. This dynamic adjustability allows a single hitch lock design to adapt to various trailer couplers without requiring multiple fixed designs, balancing versatility with manageable complexity.
4Reliability
If simple locking mechanisms are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the security against picking and prying is poor
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the locking mechanism from the hitch lock body and relocating it to an external padlock, the patent allows users to choose padlocks with advanced security features (such as pick-resistant mechanisms) while maintaining ease of operation through the simple shackle insertion and padlock attachment process. The user selects a padlock that balances security and ease of use according to their specific needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A security device for preventing unwanted attachment to a trailer coupler. The trailer hitch lock is formed by a lock body with notched arms and a lock bar that engages the notched arms of the lock body. The lock body engages the coupler mechanism of a trailer hitch and the lock bar secures the trailer hitch with a pad lock.