Pivoting Clamshell Trailer Hitch Guard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailers are vulnerable to theft when not in use, as existing locking mechanisms can be easily defeated by cutting tools, allowing unauthorized access and towing.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting clamshell hitch coupler guard with an extraction stopping lug and padlock guarding plate, which encases the trailer hitch coupler and prevents removal or unauthorized access by extending the extraction stopping lug into the coupler's socket and using aligned eyed flanges for padlock security, combined with a padlock guarding plate to protect against cutting attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms (eyed flanges, shackles, bolts, posts) are used to prevent trailer theft, then the trailer coupler is mechanically blocked from unauthorized attachment, but the locking structures are outwardly exposed and can be easily defeated by cutting tools
Solution Approach 1:
The guard assembly nests the trailer coupler within its protective structure. The coupler is received within the guard's interior space, with the retention member extending into the coupler's socket to mechanically block removal. This nesting configuration protects the coupler from external cutting tools while maintaining secure mechanical engagement through the extraction stopping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard employs a clamshell configuration with movable guard members that can pivot between open and closed positions. This shell-like structure encloses the coupler when closed, protecting it from cutting tools, while allowing easy access when opened. The movable nature of the shell provides both security and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If locking structures are made robust to resist cutting tools, then security against theft improves, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guard assembly is divided into separate functional components: the guard body forming the protective shell, the retention member providing mechanical blocking, and the padlock mechanism securing the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall structure manageable and relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member acts as an intermediary element between the guard structure and the coupler. Rather than making the entire guard structure more complex to resist cutting, the retention member provides the primary mechanical blocking function by extending into the coupler's socket, while the guard shell simply provides protective enclosure.
3Reliability
If the guard structure is made secure and immovable, then theft prevention improves, but the ease of operation for legitimate users decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The guard members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, pivoting on hinges to transition between open and closed positions. This dynamic design allows legitimate users to easily open the guard for installation or removal, while the closed position combined with the padlock mechanism provides secure protection against unauthorized manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction stopping lug is pre-positioned on the retention member to extend into the coupler's socket when the guard is closed. This preliminary positioning of the blocking mechanism ensures that once the guard is shut and locked, the coupler is immediately secured against extraction, combining ease of closure with effective security.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer hitch coupler guard including a trailer hitch coupler receiving member; a trailer hitch coupler covering member; an extraction stopping lug attached to and extending upwardly from the trailer hitch coupler receiving member; a hinge interconnecting the trailer hitch coupler receiving member and the trailer hitch coupler covering member, the hinge facilitating movement of the trailer hitch coupler covering member between opened and closed positions, the trailer hitch coupler covering member overlying the trailer hitch coupler receiving member upon movement to the closed position, and being displaced away from the closed position upon movement to the opened position; and a pair of eyed flanges fixedly attached to one of the members among the trailer hitch coupler receiving member and the trailer coupler covering member; the flanges' eyes being positioned for alignment with each other.