Removable Towing Coupler with Telescoping Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trailer hitches lack effective security measures and configurability, leading to theft risks and inefficient storage due to fixed components and large spatial footprints.

Innovation Solution

A removable towing coupler with a hitch receiver end and hitch coupling end, featuring a selectively dis-engageable coupling mechanism and a locking system that includes a towing coupler lock, allowing for adjustable length and secure coupling configurations, along with a couplable jack for enhanced versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional trailer hitches use fixed components, then structural stability is improved, but configurability and storage efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidconfigurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer hitch system is divided into separate modular components: a receiver module that attaches to the towed vehicle, a coupler module that attaches to the towing vehicle, and an extendable connector module with telescoping sections. This segmentation allows each component to be independently configured and replaced based on specific towing needs, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and configurability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector module incorporates telescoping sections with pins that allow dynamic adjustment of the connector length. The connector can extend when towing is needed and retract to a compact size when not in use. This dynamic capability provides configurability for different towing scenarios while maintaining structural stability when deployed, and enables compact storage when retracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional trailer hitches use fixed components, then structural stability is improved, but storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector module incorporates telescoping sections with pins that allow dynamic adjustment of the connector length. The connector can extend when towing is needed and retract to a compact size when not in use. This dynamic capability provides configurability for different towing scenarios while maintaining structural stability when deployed, and enables compact storage when retracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If conventional trailer hitches use simple coupling mechanisms, then ease of operation is improved, but security against theft deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of couplingVSAvoidsecurity against theft
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The security system is segmented into multiple independent layers: a first locking mechanism on the receiver module that secures the coupler module when attached, and a second locking mechanism that secures the coupler module to the towing vehicle. This multi-layered segmentation provides robust security without complicating the basic coupling operation, as each locking mechanism operates independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes a removable insert that can be pre-placed within the receiver module before the coupler module is attached. This preliminary action creates an additional security barrier that must be overcome before coupling can occur, enhancing theft prevention without affecting the ease of legitimate coupling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If conventional trailer hitches use mating components for security, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to irregular shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The security system is segmented into multiple independent layers: a first locking mechanism on the receiver module that secures the coupler module when attached, and a second locking mechanism that secures the coupler module to the towing vehicle. This multi-layered segmentation provides robust security without complicating the basic coupling operation, as each locking mechanism operates independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11400777B2Towing attachment assembly
Publication Date: 2022.08.02 TONGUE LESS LLC
  • US11400777B2 patent drawing
  • US11400777B2 patent drawing
  • US11400777B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A towing attachment assembly, a method of using the towing attachment assembly, and a removable towing coupler are provided. The towing attachment assembly comprising: a removable towing coupler, the removable towing coupler defining a hitch receiver end and a hitch coupling end, and wherein the hitch coupling end comprises a selectively dis-engageable coupling mechanism configured to be selectively dis-engaged from the removable towing coupler and to be coupled with a trailer hitch of a towing vehicle; and a towing coupler lock that secures the hitch receiver end within the hitch receiver.