Finned Trailer Hitch Lock Shell Against Angle Grinder Attacks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trailer hitch locks are vulnerable to theft by angle grinder attacks and prone to moisture-induced rust, which compromises their functionality and security.

Innovation Solution

A trailer hitch lock featuring a hardened core with a grinder-resistant shell and radially extending fins made from a soft material, combined with moisture-resistant seals and an anti-drill ring to enhance security against both grinder and drill-based attacks, while preventing rust through sealed key movable parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional trailer hitch locks are used, then the locking function is provided, but the lock is vulnerable to angle grinder attacks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to angle grinder attacksVSAvoidvulnerability to grinder cutting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lock combines a hardened steel core with a soft aluminum shell. The hardened core provides resistance to grinder cutting while the soft aluminum shell absorbs impact and prevents the grinder wheel from binding, creating a composite structure that defeats grinder attacks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the lock have different material properties - the core is hardened steel for grinder resistance while the shell is soft aluminum for impact absorption. This local differentiation of material quality allows each part to perform its specific function in countering grinder attacks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If conventional trailer hitch locks are used, then the locking function is provided, but the lock is prone to moisture-induced rust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to moisture and rustVSAvoidmoisture infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A rubber seal creates a flexible barrier that prevents moisture infiltration into the locking mechanism. This sealing layer protects the internal components from rust while allowing the lock to maintain its functional movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The rubber seal is a simple, replaceable component that provides moisture protection. If the seal degrades over time, it can be easily replaced to restore protection, making the system maintainable without replacing the entire lock

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If exposed locking mechanism is used, then the lock structure is simple, but the mechanism is vulnerable to moisture and rusting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of lock structureVSAvoidsusceptibility to rusting

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is nested inside the aluminum shell, which itself is inside the rubber seal. This nested arrangement protects the simple locking mechanism from moisture while maintaining its structural simplicity and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11766905B2Unattended trailer hitch lock

Publication Date: 2023.09.26 B & W CUSTOM TRUCK BEDS INC D B A B&W TRAILER HITCHES

AI summary

A trailer hitch lock provides a finned, external shell around a centrally-disposed lock assembly. The material of the shell, its distribution of fins, and the fin dimensions all cooperate to defeat a destructive attack on the lock by a portable angle grinder.