Trailer Hitch Coupler Safety Pin Uplock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer coupler designs lack stability and safety features, particularly in securing the latch handle in an upward position, leading to potential user injuries during connection and disconnection, and often require tools or lifting devices for installation and use.
Innovation Solution
An actuator coupler design that incorporates a latch pivot pin and safety pin system, allowing the latch handle to be securely locked in an upward position using a safety pin, which prevents accidental closure and provides stability through a pivot connection between the latch handle and the coupler case, eliminating the need for tools or extra components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch handle is used in existing coupler designs, then the coupler can connect and disconnect trailers, but the latch handle may accidentally move toward closed position causing user injury from pinching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing an uplock mechanism that proactively prevents the latch handle from moving into the harmful closed position. The uplock engages with the latch handle in the upward open position, creating a counter-force that anticipates and prevents accidental closure before it can occur, thereby eliminating the pinching injury risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating a spring-loaded detent mechanism that provides a safety buffer. The spring maintains engagement with the detent to hold the latch in the safe upward position, and only when deliberate force is applied to release the detent does the latch allow movement toward the closed position, providing a protective buffer against accidental operation
2Reliability
If a locking pin mechanism is added to secure the latch handle, then user safety is improved, but the device complexity increases and tools may be required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the uplock and downlock functions into a single integrated locking pin mechanism. The locking pin serves dual purposes: it acts as an uplock to secure the latch handle in the upward open position and as a downlock to secure it in the downward closed position. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety protection
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an uplock and downlock component. By making the same component perform multiple safety functions, the patent reduces the number of separate parts needed and eliminates the requirement for tools or lifting devices during installation and operation
3Stability of the object's composition
If a pivot shaft is added to anchor the latch bar to the case, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the stabilization function into discrete, simple components: a pivot shaft, a pivot connection point on the latch bar, and a corresponding mounting point on the case. This segmented approach provides stable anchoring while keeping each individual component simple and easy to manufacture, avoiding the need for complex pivot mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for connecting a trailer to a ball hitch. The coupler has a body that provides a cavity for a downwardly facing ball hitch receiver. Spaced apart first and second sidewalls have therein first, second, and third apertures, and the first, second and third apertures in the first sidewall are aligned with the first, second, and third apertures in the second sidewall. A latch handle having a base with ear portions having downwardly facing surfaces is pivotally connected to the body using a pivot shaft pin. The body includes a latch slot, in which a spring biased ball latch, sized and shaped for engagement with a ball hitch is connected to the latch handle by a latch bar. A safety pin is provided, which can be inserted through the third apertures in each of the first and second sidewalls. When inserted, the latch handle is secured in an uplock condition, so that downward closing motion of the latch handle is arrested by the downward facing surfaces at the ear portions of the latch handle. Alternately, the safety pin can be used to secure the latch handle in a downlock, closed condition.