S-Cam Trailer Hitch Adapter Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch adapters rely on plunger-based locking mechanisms that are inefficient and prone to user error, lacking a secure and smooth locking mechanism for securing the adapter to the vehicle socket.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a collar-based locking mechanism featuring an S-cam and a castellated arm, utilizing a ball that moves between shallow and deep recesses for secure locking and unlocking, along with a secondary locking tab to prevent adapter removal when the hitch is installed, ensuring the adapter remains locked within the socket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plunger-based locking mechanism is used to secure the adapter in the socket structure, then the adapter can be locked, but the locking mechanism is inefficient and prone to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an S-cam mechanism that converts rotational motion of the arm into linear motion of the ball along the camming surface. This dynamic mechanism provides a smooth, controlled locking and unlocking action, eliminating the inefficiencies of plunger-based systems while maintaining operational simplicity through the natural mechanical advantage of the cam profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball acts as an intermediary element between the rotating arm and the locking mechanism. As the ball travels along the S-cam's camming surface, it mediates the transformation of rotational input into the linear locking motion, providing both reliability and ease of operation through this intermediate mechanical element.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is designed to prevent adapter removal, then security is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The S-cam mechanism provides a dynamic locking system where the ball's position along the camming surface automatically engages or disengages the locking function. This dynamic approach achieves high security through the mechanical interference fit in the locked position while maintaining relative simplicity through the elegant, continuous motion path of the cam profile rather than multiple discrete locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The S-cam utilizes changes in the geometric parameters of the camming surface (the transition from shallow to deep recess) to control the ball's position. This parameter change approach allows the mechanism to provide secure locking when needed while maintaining operational simplicity, as the same continuous cam profile provides both security and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the arm is made rotatable for unlocking, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental unlocking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The S-cam mechanism is designed so that the ball must be actively moved along the camming surface against the mechanical resistance of the cam profile to unlock. This preliminary anti-action—requiring deliberate force to move the ball from the locked position—prevents accidental unlocking while maintaining ease of operation, as the same cam profile that provides security also guides the smooth unlocking motion when intentionally actuated.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adapter provides a secure and smooth locking mechanism that prevents accidental removal and ensures proper hitch installation, enhancing safety and usability by preventing the adapter from being unlocked with the hitch assembly mounted.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism is formed having a cam, preferably an S-cam, having a shaft passing through the center of the S-cam, which shaft transfers rotative motion between the arm and the S-cam. As the S-cam is rotated, a ball moves between the shallow recess and the deep recess.
Implementation Method 2
The locked position is defined by the ball forming an interference fit with the shallow recess and the aperture, with a portion of the ball extending beyond the aperture. A cavity is formed in the socket, such that when in the locked position, the ball partially extends into the cavity and prevents the adapter from being removed from the socket.
Implementation Method 3
The tab is also configured such that with the hitch assembly installed, the locking mechanism cannot be moved to the unlocked position—the tab forms an interference fit with the hitch assembly in such a way that the arm cannot be rotated to the unlocked position with the hitch installed.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter which serves as an anchor point for coupling a trailer to a vehicle. The adapter adapted for mating in the socket of the vehicle. The adapter rotatable between a locked and an unlocked position. The adapter including a locking member which, when rotated, moves a ball partially through an aperture, partially extending into the socket thereby locking the adapter within the socket.