Trailer Hitch Coupler Lock with Sealed Socket
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch coupler locking devices are not user-friendly and can be compromised by environmental factors like grease and dirt, which hinder their effectiveness in preventing unauthorized towing.
Innovation Solution
A coupler lock system comprising a locking bar with a plug member and a base structure that includes a locking mechanism, positioned above the plug member within the socket of the hitch coupler, which prevents unauthorized engagement of a hitch ball and remains functional despite exposure to elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocking plug is secured within the socket of the coupler to prevent unauthorized engagement, then the prevention of unauthorized towing is improved, but the device becomes susceptible to compromise from environmental factors like grease and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
A removable cap is introduced as an intermediary component that seals the socket opening. The cap prevents direct exposure of the locking mechanism to environmental contaminants like grease and dirt, while still allowing the locking function to operate when needed. The cap acts as a protective barrier between the harmful external environment and the internal locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is extracted from direct exposure to the external environment by placing it inside a sealed socket that can be closed with a cap. This separates the sensitive locking components from the harmful external factors, allowing the locking function to remain reliable even when exposed to outdoor conditions.
2Reliability
If a blocking plug is used within the socket to prevent unauthorized engagement, then the security function is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static blocking plug to a dynamic system with movable components. The locking bar can move between locked and unlocked positions, and the cap can be easily removed and reattached. This dynamic design allows the security function to be activated or deactivated as needed, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into separate functional components: a locking mechanism and a protective cap. This segmentation allows the cap to be independently removed or attached without affecting the locking mechanism, making installation and removal easier while maintaining the security function when the cap is in place.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is positioned below the plug member to retain it within the socket, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the locking mechanism below the plug member as in conventional designs, the locking bar is positioned above the plug member. This inverted arrangement provides the same retention function while simplifying the overall structure and making the device easier to manufacture and assemble.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler lock for attaching to a trailer hitch coupler. The hitch coupler has a socket. The coupler lock includes a locking bar and a plug member for receipt within the socket of the hitch coupler and supported by the locking bar. The coupler lock includes a base structure removably attached to the locking bar. The base structure includes a locking structure actuatable to lockingly retain the base structure attached to the locking bar so as to retain the plug member within the socket of the hitch coupler. The locking structure is positioned above the plug member with the base structure attached to the locking bar and the plug member retained within the socket of the hitch coupler.