Removable Trailer Coupler Assembly for Cut-Resistant Theft Deterrence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trailer theft deterrents are vulnerable to cutting tools and cumbersome, affecting structural integrity and warranty, necessitating a more secure and efficient locking mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A trailer coupler attachment/detachment assembly with coupler pins and a retainer plate, secured by retaining pins and a lock, allowing quick removal and installation, preventing unauthorized towing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional locking devices (hitch locks, coupler latch locks, chains, padlocks) are used to prevent trailer theft, then the trailer is secured while parked, but these devices can be easily cut or broken by thieves using bolt cutters or cutting tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft prevention capabilityVSAvoidvulnerability to cutting tools

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the coupler entirely from the trailer tongue when not in use, rather than attempting to lock it in place. This extraction of the vulnerable component eliminates the target for thieves while maintaining the ability to quickly reattach when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-positions the coupler in a secure storage location away from the trailer, ready for quick reattachment. This preliminary preparation allows the owner to rapidly restore security by simply reattaching the coupler rather than dealing with broken locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the trailer coupler is removed and relocated to an inaccessible position to prevent theft, then cutting tools cannot access it, but the process is cumbersome, time-consuming, and risks loss of securing bolts or nuts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft prevention capabilityVSAvoidtime to remove and reinstall coupler

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler assembly is divided into separable components (coupler body, mounting brackets, securing pins) that can be independently handled. This segmentation allows for quick disassembly and reassembly without requiring complex tools or procedures, reducing the time and risk associated with coupler removal and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If expensive modifications to the trailer frame are made to enhance security, then theft deterrence is improved, but structural integrity and warranties are adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft prevention capabilityVSAvoidtrailer frame structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a simple, inexpensive coupler assembly that can be easily removed and stored, rather than investing in permanent, expensive frame modifications. This approach provides effective security without compromising the trailer's structural integrity or voiding warranties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20260048627A1Trailer theft deterrent system

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 JONES STEVIN LEE

AI summary

A trailer coupler attachment/detachment assembly for quickly and easily removing a trailer coupling from a trailer tongue or a trailer coupling bracket and easily reinstalling the trailer coupling for towing includes first and second coupling pins extending through a first and second sets of aligned fastener holes of the tongue or bracket and the coupler respectively, and first and second retaining pins for securing the coupling pins in the aligned sets of fastener holes.