Removable Trailer Coupler with Unique Pattern for Theft Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Trailer theft and cumbersome storage due to long trailer lengths are unresolved issues, as existing deterrents can be easily bypassed by thieves and storage solutions do not effectively reduce trailer length.

Innovation Solution

A removable trailer coupler with a unique pattern of protrusions and indentations on the tongue and coupler connections, requiring a matching coupler for attachment, and an optional clamp for secure locking, which prevents unauthorized attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a trailer is made longer to carry large goods or materials, then the cargo capacity is improved, but the trailer becomes cumbersome to store

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo capacityVSAvoidtrailer length

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer tongue is divided into a removable coupler assembly and a fixed tongue body. The coupler assembly including the coupler, latch, and mounting plate can be detached from the tongue body, allowing the trailer to be stored in a compact configuration while maintaining full cargo capacity when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a cover or protective method is provided on the trailer coupler to prevent theft, then the anti-theft capability is improved, but a thief can easily cut through the covering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-theft capabilityVSAvoidtheft vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler assembly is designed to be dynamically removable and reattachable through a legitimate latch mechanism. This dynamic design allows authorized users to remove the coupler for storage while the unique mounting pattern prevents unauthorized attachment, providing effective anti-theft protection without requiring permanent covers that can be cut.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a removable coupler with unique protrusion pattern is used, then the anti-theft capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-theft capabilityVSAvoidcoupler structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate features an asymmetric pattern of protrusions that do not align with standard coupler hole patterns. This asymmetric design prevents unauthorized couplers from being attached while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The uniqueness of the protrusion pattern provides effective anti-theft protection without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS10112451B2Anti-theft trailer having a removable tongue

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 MIKESELL ANDREW J

AI summary

The present invention relates to a removable trailer coupler that may be used to prevent trailer theft. One end of the coupler includes a connector with a unique pattern of indentations and/or protrusions. The unique pattern corresponds to a pattern of protrusions and/or indentations located on a connector on the end of the tongue of a trailer. If the pattern of protrusions and indentations match, the coupler may be slid onto and connected to the trailer tongue. If an attempt is made to use a different coupler, the unique pattern of the indentations will not match, and the coupler will not be able to attach to the tongue. Without a coupler the trailer cannot connect to a tow hitch and the trailer cannot be towed.