Clamshell Trailer Coupler Shielding for Theft and Wiring Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for trailers lack a solution that effectively covers both the hitch ball receiver and coupler using a clamshell housing, which is positionable around a trailer tongue to deter theft and damage to wiring.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell housing with an upper and lower piece, hinged together, and equipped with first and second lock pieces that engage to secure the housing in a closed configuration over the hitch ball receiver and coupler, utilizing a hasp latch or other locking mechanisms to prevent tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing locking devices are used, then the hitch ball receiver and coupler are partially protected, but the device lacks a clamshell housing that effectively covers both components simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into an upper piece and a lower piece that can be separately positioned and secured to the tongue. The upper piece covers the upper surface and first section of side surfaces, while the lower piece covers the lower surface and second section of side surfaces, together forming complete protection around the hitch ball receiver and coupler.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamshell housing is designed to envelop and nest around the tongue structure, with the upper and lower pieces forming a complete protective enclosure that contains the hitch ball receiver and coupler within its coverage area, providing comprehensive protection.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the trailer is better protected against theft, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second lock pieces are integrated into the upper and lower pieces respectively, and when the clamshell housing is closed, these lock pieces engage with each other to form a unified locking system. This merging of locking components into the housing structure provides secure protection without requiring separate external locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock pieces are positioned to automatically engage with each other when the upper and lower pieces are brought together in the closed configuration, allowing the housing itself to perform the locking function without requiring additional manual intervention or complex external locking systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer coupler shielding and locking device for deterring theft of the trailer and damage to wiring of the trailer includes a clamshell housing, which is positionable around a tongue of the trailer. First and second lock pieces are engaged to the clamshell housing are opposingly positioned relative to its hinge. The second lock piece is complementary to the first lock piece. When the clamshell housing is in a closed configuration, the second lock piece is positioned to engage the first lock piece to lock the clamshell housing in the closed configuration over a hitch ball receiver and a coupler of the trailer to deter theft of the trailer and damage to wiring of the trailer.