Gooseneck Trailer Coupler Rotatable Lock Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupler devices for connecting trailers to ball-type hitches on towing vehicles, particularly gooseneck trailers, lack a simple and efficient locking mechanism that requires minimal effort for connection and disconnection while ensuring secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A coupler device with a housing having a concave cavity and a cylindrical socket, featuring a rotatable lock ring with an arm portion that automatically locks into a tow ball retaining position, allowing easy insertion and secure locking of the tow ball with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used in the coupler device, then the connection is secure, but the operation becomes complex and requires significant effort for connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is designed to be rotatable between a locked position (where the opening aligns with the concave cavity to secure the tow ball) and an unlocked position (where the opening is misaligned to allow insertion or removal of the tow ball). This dynamic positioning enables simple operational control while maintaining secure attachment when locked
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring's opening automatically aligns with the concave cavity when the tow ball is inserted, causing the lock ring to be self-actuated into the locked position without requiring additional manual intervention. The design allows the coupling action itself to trigger the locking state
2Ease of operation
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of secure attachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring features an asymmetric design with a single opening positioned at a specific location on its circumference. This asymmetric feature ensures that only specific orientations of the lock ring allow tow ball passage, while all other orientations provide secure retention, creating a natural mechanical lock that is both simple and reliable
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device utilizes spherical geometry with a concave cavity designed to receive and retain the spherical tow ball. The curved surfaces provide natural guidance for ball insertion and ensure positive engagement, while the lock ring's circular opening works with this curvature to provide reliable retention through simple rotational positioning
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used, then the reliability of secure attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, independent rotatable lock ring component rather than being integrated into the housing structure. This allows the locking mechanism to be a simple, standalone element that can be easily manufactured and assembled, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure attachment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler device is segmented into distinct functional components: the housing with concave cavity, the cylindrical socket, and the rotatable lock ring with opening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing and assembly, resulting in a rugged construction that is both simple and reliable
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler comprised of a coupler housing having a first opening formed therein. The opening has a concave cavity. A cylindrical socket is formed within the housing. A second opening in the housing communicates with the cylindrical socket. A lock ring is provided, the lock ring having a cylindrical portion and an arm portion extending therefrom. The cylindrical portion of the lock ring is disposed within the cylindrical socket in the housing with the arm portion extending from the housing through the second opening. An opening is formed through the cylindrical portion of the lock ring. The cylindrical portion of the lock ring is rotatable in the cylindrical socket wherein the lock ring is movable between a first position wherein the opening in the lock ring is aligned with the concave cavity to allow a tow ball to be inserted into the concave cavity through the opening in the lock ring and a second position wherein the opening is not in alignment with the concave cavity.