Self-latching Ball Clamp Coupler with Cam-Actuated Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball coupler mechanisms require manual adjustment to open and close the latching mechanism for engaging and disengaging the ball hitch, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A self-latching ball coupler mechanism with a biasing spring and pivotally connected lever that automatically adjusts to lock the ball hitch in place without manual intervention, utilizing a cam surface and locking mechanism for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual latching mechanism with an adjustable lever is used, then the ball can be securely retained in the socket, but the user must manually adjust the lever between open and closed positions, which is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The ball clamp member is designed to automatically latch onto the ball when inserted into the socket, without requiring manual operation of the lever. The spring mechanism provides automatic engagement, allowing the system to service itself during the coupling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded to automatically urge the ball clamp member into the clamping position as soon as the ball is inserted into the socket. This preliminary action of the spring mechanism eliminates the need for subsequent manual lever adjustment to achieve secure retention.
2Device complexity
If a manual latching mechanism is used, then the structure can be simple, but the operation requires multiple steps of lever adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the latching operation automatically through the spring-loaded ball clamp member, eliminating the need for manual lever adjustment steps while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is combined with the ball clamp member into a single integrated component, where the lever serves both as the operating handle and as part of the clamping mechanism, reducing the number of separate adjustment steps required.
3Ease of operation
If automatic latching is implemented, then the coupling process is simplified, but additional components such as spring and cam surface are required
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into existing components: the lever serves as both the operating handle and part of the clamping mechanism, the ball clamp member combines clamping and latching functions, and the cam surface is integrated into the lever structure. This merging approach achieves automatic latching without adding excessive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as the operating handle for manual control, provides the cam surface for automatic latching action, and serves as part of the ball clamp member structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
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
Enables automatic latching and unlatching of the ball hitch, simplifying the coupling process and enhancing efficiency by eliminating the need for manual adjustment of the lever between open and closed positions.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing mechanism, such as a spring, is provided between the ball clamp and a generally downward facing inner surface of the coupler housing to urge the ball clamp generally downward to a clamping position
Implementation Method 2
The lever may be provided with a cam surface that presses against the top surface of the coupler housing to provide the relative inward and outward movement of the clamp rod as the lever is adjusted
Data Source
AI summary
A ball hitch coupler permits self-latching with a ball hitch. The ball hitch coupler has a housing with a generally downwardly facing open socket for receiving a ball hitch. A ball clamp member within the open socket is attached to an adjustment lever by a clamp rod that extends through a top surface of the housing. A camming surface provided on the lever causes the clamp rod to pull the ball clamp member upwardly and outwardly from the socket as the lever is pivoted to an open position. When the lever is in a neutral ready position, a ball hitch may be inserted into the socket and will automatically be coupled with the ball hitch coupler without further adjustment.