Fifth Wheel Trailer Lock Preventing Unintentional Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fifth wheels in common use can be unintentionally or intentionally unlocked, leading to potential separation of trailers or loads during transport, posing risks to safety and causing damage, due to the lack of a mechanism to lock the release handle in place.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel trailer lock that includes a handle mount and a lock extension with a fifth wheel catch, which engages the stationary structure of the fifth wheel when attempting to move the release handle, preventing the unlocking of the fifth wheel from a supported load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a release handle is provided to allow unlocking of the fifth wheel, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential unintentional or intentional unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent functions: the release handle for normal unlocking operations and the lockout device for preventing unauthorized unlocking. The lockout device includes separate components (lockout pin, lockout holder, spring mechanism) that work together to provide security without interfering with the normal release handle operation when properly engaged or disengaged.
2Reliability
If a lockout mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized unlocking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout device is integrated with the existing fifth wheel locking system rather than being a completely separate mechanism. The lockout pin interacts with the release handle assembly, and the lockout holder is positioned within the existing structural space, combining security functionality with the original design to minimize overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded lockout pin automatically engages with the release handle when the lockout device is activated, providing self-locking functionality. The spring mechanism automatically maintains engagement pressure and returns the pin to its engaged position, reducing the need for additional actuators or complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the release handle is made accessible for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to vandalism or accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout device applies a preliminary restraining force to the release handle through the lockout pin, preventing any movement that would trigger unlocking. This anti-action is applied before any potential harmful action (vandalism or accidental activation) can occur, and must be deliberately overcome by removing the lockout device to allow normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fifth wheel trailer lock for preventing a fifth wheel release handle from being operated to unlock a fifth wheel of a load hauler from a load supported by the fifth wheel. The fifth wheel trailer lock generally includes a handle mount that mounts on and releasably locks to a fifth wheel release handle in a predetermined orientation, a lock extension that extends outwardly from the handle mount into proximity with a stationary structure of the fifth wheel, and a fifth wheel catch on the lock extension adapted to engage the stationary structure of the fifth wheel when an attempt is made to operate the release handle. The engagement of the stationary structure of the fifth wheel by the fifth wheel catch prevents the release handle from being operated to unlock the fifth wheel from the supported load.