Adjustable Trailer Safety Chain Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety chain systems for trailers often fail to meet state laws and standards due to improper attachment, excessive slack, and susceptibility to decoupling, leading to increased risk of runaway trailers and property damage.
Innovation Solution
A permanently attached safety chain system with a sleeve mechanism that allows easy adjustment of chain length, storing excess chain to prevent dragging and ensuring proper cradling of the trailer tongue, thereby enhancing control and safety during decoupling events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If safety chains are permanently attached to the trailer, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to adjust chain length for different trailers and tow vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the safety chain length adjustable through a mechanism that allows the chain to be repositioned along the tongue. The chain can be moved to different locations using a ratchet or sliding mechanism, enabling adaptation to various trailer and tow vehicle combinations while maintaining permanent attachment to the trailer frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the safety chain system into multiple functional parts: a permanently attached anchor point on the trailer frame, an adjustable section along the tongue, and a fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows different portions of the chain to serve different purposes - permanent attachment for reliability and adjustable sections for adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If safety chains are made longer to accommodate various configurations, then adaptability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to chain dragging on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable chain length mechanism allows the chain to be dynamically configured to the minimum necessary length for each specific trailer and tow vehicle combination. This eliminates excess chain that would drag on the ground, preventing wear and damage while still accommodating various configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of excess chain into a benefit by providing an adjustable mechanism that allows users to precisely set the chain length. This eliminates the need for overly long chains, transforming what would be a harmful dragging issue into a controlled, optimized system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If safety chains are adjusted to be shorter to prevent dragging, then harmful factors are reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in achieving proper fit for all configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mechanism with clear markings or indicators makes it easy to set the chain to the correct length. Users can quickly adjust the chain position without complex calculations or trial and error, maintaining ease of operation while preventing dragging.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-regulating, where the proper length is automatically determined by the geometry of the trailer and tow vehicle connection points. This eliminates the need for manual measurement and adjustment, making the system easy to operate.
4Reliability
If safety chains are permanently affixed to the trailer tongue, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to difficulty in replacement and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The safety chain system is segmented into a permanently attached anchor portion and a replaceable chain portion. The anchor points are permanently affixed to the trailer frame for reliability, while the chain itself can be easily removed and replaced through standardized connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic connection points that allow the chain to be easily detached and reattached. This provides the security of permanent attachment where needed while maintaining ease of repair through simple, tool-free or minimal-tool adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for attaching a safety chain between a tow vehicle and a trailer, said system including: at least one, but preferably two safety chains permanently attached to the trailer, each safety chain having first and second ends which are interconnected by interlocking chain links, with the first end secured to a releasable attachment for attaching the first end to the tow vehicle; and a locking/unlocking mechanism on each safety chain that is permanently attached to the trailer, and that releasably locks its respective safety chain so that a desired working length of that that safety chain can be provided, where the working length is measured between the locking/unlocking mechanism and the first end. The system provided optimum connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer in the event of a primary decoupling.