Self-Latching Trailer Coupler With Auto-Reset Spring Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer couplers require manual actuation and retention mechanisms that wear out over time, leading to premature failure and inefficient automatic resetting.
Innovation Solution
A self-latching coupler with a rotatable pin and extension spring mechanism that automatically latches onto and resets with the hitch ball, utilizing an over-center condition to ensure secure coupling and decoupling without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If compression springs or torsion springs are used to bias the shaft to the closed position, then automatic coupling is achieved, but the shaft can only be biased toward one position requiring additional actuators and retention means
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is segmented into two independent extension springs (first and second extension springs) that can be independently activated. This allows the shaft to be biased in multiple directions without requiring complex retention means, as each spring can be selectively engaged to achieve the desired shaft position.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single spring that biases the shaft in one direction and requiring an actuator to overcome it, the invention uses two springs that can independently bias the shaft in opposite directions. This inverts the traditional approach by eliminating the need for retention means to hold an actuator against spring bias.
2Ease of operation
If actuators and retention means are added to overcome spring bias and hold the shaft in the open position, then the shaft can remain open when the hitch ball exits, but the additional components wear over time causing premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the hitch ball itself to activate the first extension spring, which in turn actuates the shaft. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate actuators and retention means that would wear over time. The hitch ball's movement directly engages the spring mechanism, reducing the number of wear-prone components.
3Extent of automation
If manual release of the actuator is required to reset the coupler, then the shaft can return to the closed position, but time and effort are required on behalf of the user
Solution Approach 1:
The second extension spring is automatically activated when the hitch ball exits the coupler, causing the shaft to automatically return to the closed position. This self-resetting mechanism eliminates the need for manual actuator release, saving user time and effort while maintaining full automation of the reset function.
4Device complexity
If a single spring is used to bias the shaft, then the mechanism is simpler, but the shaft cannot be biased toward multiple positions for automatic latching and resetting
Solution Approach 1:
The single spring is segmented into two independent extension springs that can be selectively engaged. The first extension spring biases the shaft to the open position when the hitch ball enters, while the second extension spring biases the shaft to the closed position when the hitch ball exits. This segmentation provides multi-position biasing capability while maintaining relative mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The two extension springs serve multiple functions: the first spring provides automatic coupling bias, the second spring provides automatic resetting bias, and together they enable the shaft to be positioned in multiple states without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
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 coupler provides a reliable, automatic latching and resetting mechanism that enhances user convenience and reduces mechanical wear, ensuring secure trailer connection without manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
an extension spring connected at a first end thereof to the bracket and connected at a second end thereof to an anchor plate of the housing such that the extension spring achieves an over-center condition relative to the axis of rotation in which the pin extends
Implementation Method 2
the extension spring biases the pin to the latched orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for connecting a trailer to a towing vehicle, including a housing and a pin. The housing rotatably supports the pin and includes a ball receiver formed therein for receiving a head of a hitch ball. The pin extends in an axis of rotation transverse to a vertical axis of the ball receiver and is rotatable between a latched orientation and an unlatched orientation. The pin is extendable below the ball receiver and includes a contact surface longitudinally oriented thereon. A lever is pivotable between a first position and a second position and projects outward from the pin, and an extension spring is linked to the pin, with the extension spring biasing the lever to the first position when the pin is rotated to the latched orientation, and the extension spring biasing the lever to the second position when the pin is rotated to the latched orientation.