Gooseneck Trailer Lock with Hidden Puck Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock devices for gooseneck-style trailer couplers are structurally weak, expose the locking mechanism, and are expensive and complex, making them vulnerable to theft and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A gooseneck-type trailer hitch lock device featuring a solid machined aluminum or hardened steel construction with a hidden locking mechanism, utilizing a puck lock with a keyed locking system and a tang with adjustable depth, providing protection against common burglary tools and theft methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If prior art lock devices are used to cover the gooseneck receiver, then the locking function is provided, but the structural strength is insufficient and vulnerable to common burglary tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from typical lock materials to solid machined aluminum or hardened steel with substantial thickness. This parameter change provides immense structural strength that would take an enormous amount of time to cut through with a hacksaw or defeat with sledgehammers, directly resolving the contradiction between structural strength and theft vulnerability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If prior art lock devices are used, then the gooseneck receiver is covered, but the locking mechanism is exposed for easy access by thieves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the puck lock and keyed locking mechanism inside the solid aluminum or steel structure. The locking mechanism is nested within the ball member rather than being exposed on the exterior, so thieves cannot easily access it with bolt cutters or pry bars, while the key can still be inserted to operate the lock.
3Reliability
If prior art lock devices are used, then locking function is provided, but manufacturing cost is high and complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural cover function with the locking mechanism into a single integrated ball member. The solid aluminum or steel ball member simultaneously serves as the cover for the gooseneck receiver and the housing for the puck lock, eliminating the need for separate complex structures and reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a homogeneous material (solid machined aluminum or hardened steel) for the entire ball member structure. This homogeneous construction simplifies manufacturing compared to composite structures with multiple materials and joints, reducing both complexity and cost while maintaining reliability.
4Strength
If solid machined aluminum or hardened steel is used, then structural integrity and heat resistance are improved, but manufacturing cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies solid machined aluminum or hardened steel with substantial thickness as the material parameter. These materials provide excellent structural integrity and heat resistance (metal bubbles when subjected to torch flames), and while they require machining, the simplicity of the solid structure keeps manufacturing costs reasonable compared to complex assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is disclosed for locking to a gooseneck-type trailer tongue of the type having a lockable tongue mechanism and a lower surface. A ball member has a semi-spherical upper portion and a lower surface. The lower surface is traversed by a threaded aperture. A peripheral side of the upper portion has at least one set screw aperture traversing through to the threaded aperture. A tang is threaded at a top end thereof for threaded rotational engagement with the threaded aperture of the ball member and includes a lower end that has at least one bolt aperture therethrough. A collar member includes a tang slot traversing the top and bottom surfaces thereof. A puck lock has a selectively positionable bolt adapted to traverse the bolt aperture of the tang to lock the collar member onto the tang and ball member. The top surface of the collar member is locked against the lower surface of the trailer tongue to prevent removal of the ball member from the trailer tongue, thereby inhibiting unauthorized towing of the trailer.