Self-latching Ball Hitch Coupler with Spring-Actuated Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-latching ball clamp couplers face issues with weight, ease of manufacture, and potential sticking problems, which affect their reliability and efficiency in securing towed vehicles to pulling vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A self-latching ball hitch coupler design featuring a pivotably mounted latch release mechanism with a spring-urged latch rod and a slot-guided tab system, allowing automatic latching and easy manual release, while optimizing the body structure for reduced weight and improved manufacturing simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a self-latching mechanism is implemented, then automatic latching is achieved, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a latch rod for engagement, a latch release for actuation, and a spring for biasing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for weight and function, reducing overall mechanism weight while maintaining automatic latching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased latch rod automatically engages with the ball hitch upon insertion, providing self-latching without requiring additional actuators or power sources. The system uses the insertion motion itself to trigger the latching action, eliminating the need for heavy motorized or pneumatic systems.
2Reliability
If a complex latching mechanism is used, then secure locking is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to prevent release, the design uses a simple spring-biased latch that naturally engages and requires deliberate action to release. The complexity is inverted by making the engaged state the natural state and the released state the one requiring action, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch rod is extracted as a separate, simple component that moves linearly through a defined path guided by the slot. This extraction allows for easy manufacturing of individual components and simplifies assembly, while the slot geometry provides the necessary guidance and constraint without complex mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a manual release mechanism is added, then easy release is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch release is designed as a pivotable component that dynamically changes the position of the latch rod between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic element provides easy manual release through simple rotational motion, while the pivotable nature allows the mechanism to return to its biased engaged state automatically after release.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch release serves multiple functions: it manually disengages the latch rod, provides a visible indicator of latch status through its position, and works in conjunction with the spring mechanism to ensure reliable engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while improving ease of operation.
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 design ensures secure automatic latching and easy manual release of the ball hitch, enhancing the reliability and ease of use while maintaining structural strength and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is positioned relative to the latch rod and the body to urge the latch toward downward movement into the socket.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball hitch coupler includes a body having a socket therein, the socket sized for receiving a ball on a ball hitch. The body includes an opening through an upper surface of the body into the socket. A latch release is pivotably mounted on the upper surface of the body, and may include a drain hole or trough forming a catch for tips of the latch release when in the open position. A latch rod extends through the opening through the upper surface of the body and connected at a first end that is external to the body to the latch release. A latch is secured to a second end of the latch rod inside the socket, the latch including a tab projecting from a rear surface of the latch and received by a slot within the body to guide movement of the latch.