Self-latching Trailer Coupler with Integral Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer couplers are vulnerable to theft as they can be easily disconnected and reattached to a thief's vehicle, and locks are often misplaced or easily defeated with bolt cutters, lacking an integral lock mechanism that cannot be lost or easily compromised.
Innovation Solution
A self-latching coupler with a latch pin and spring mechanism that automatically locks onto a hitch ball, combined with a plunger-type lock assembly that requires a key to unlock, ensuring the coupler remains secured to either a towing vehicle or a parked trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a padlock is used to lock the coupler in the latched position, then the trailer cannot be easily stolen, but the padlock can be misplaced or easily removed using bolt cutters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function directly into the coupler mechanism by integrating a lockable latch pin that can be secured with a padlock. The latch pin itself becomes part of the coupler structure, and the padlock secures the latch pin within the coupler body, merging the locking function with the coupler rather than using a separate external lock system.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is designed to automatically latch onto the hitch ball when attached, and the latch pin can be subsequently locked with a padlock. This preliminary automatic latching action secures the connection before the padlock is applied, providing immediate protection while the padlock is being positioned or retrieved.
2Reliability
If the coupler is locked in the latched position to prevent theft, then the trailer cannot be easily disconnected, but it becomes more difficult to disconnect the trailer from the towing vehicle when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The latch pin is designed to be movable between latched and unlatched positions. When unlocking, the padlock is removed and the latch pin can be manually moved to the unlatched position by pulling on the handle, allowing the coupler to transition from a locked secure state to an unlocked operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the movement of the latch pin between locked and unlocked states. By manipulating the handle, the user can easily move the latch pin without directly manipulating the latch pin itself, simplifying the unlocking process.
3Ease of operation
If existing trailer couplers are used without an integral lock mechanism, then the coupler can be easily disconnected and reattached, but the trailer is vulnerable to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the coupler structure itself, with the latch pin and padlock assembly becoming part of the coupler body. This integration maintains the ease of connection and disconnection while adding theft prevention capabilities, as the lock mechanism operates within the existing coupler framework rather than requiring separate external locking devices.
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 self-latching mechanism securely attaches the trailer to a hitch ball, preventing theft by ensuring the coupler remains locked without external locks, and the key-operated lock assembly prevents unauthorized disconnection, providing enhanced security against theft.
Implementation Method 1
A compression spring is positioned in the spring chamber and encircles the drawbar. A first end of the spring bears against the latch pin and a second end of the spring bears against the outside wall. The spring acts to urge the latch pin into the closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A self latching trailer coupler includes a housing having a downwardly oriented ball receiver for receiving a head of a hitch ball and a latch member mounted in the housing which is moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the latch member prevents the hitch ball from being withdrawn from the ball receiver. The latch member automatically moves into the closed position upon insertion of the head of the hitch ball into the ball receiver and retains the latch member in the closed position. A lock assembly is mounted in the housing and is selectively engageable to lock the latch member in the closed position.