Self-latching Trailer Coupler with Spring-biased Slide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer couplers lack an efficient self-latching mechanism that simplifies the coupling and uncoupling process while ensuring secure attachment and easy transition between open and closed positions, often requiring multiple parts and complex operations.
Innovation Solution
A trailer coupler design featuring a fixed body, a displaceable slide with a biasing member, and a retention mechanism that uses a coil spring for self-latching, allowing for easy manual operation through a finger pull and stop catch mechanism to secure the hitch in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the coupling is secure, but the operation becomes complex and requires multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latch body, biasing member, and retention features into a single integrated displaceable latch assembly that moves as one unit within the coupler body, eliminating the need for separate latch components and simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining secure coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly incorporates a spring-biased self-latching mechanism that automatically engages and disengages the retention feature without requiring manual intervention, enabling self-latching operation that reduces complexity while ensuring reliable coupling security
2Reliability
If a manual latch operation is used, then the coupling is secure, but the transition between open and closed positions requires manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased latch assembly automatically transitions between engaged and disengaged states based on the presence or absence of the hitch ball, eliminating the need for manual operation while ensuring secure coupling when the hitch is properly positioned
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member pre-positions the latch assembly in the engaged state, ready to automatically secure the hitch ball when it is inserted, and automatically releases it when removed, eliminating the need for manual latching operations
3Ease of operation
If a self-latching mechanism is implemented, then the coupling process is simplified, but the mechanism requires additional parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the latch body, spring biasing member, and retention features into a single displaceable latch assembly that functions as one component within the coupler, achieving self-latching capability without requiring multiple separate parts
4Device complexity
If a simple latch design is used, then the number of parts is reduced, but the coupling security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased latch assembly provides automatic engagement and retention of the hitch ball through its self-latching mechanism, ensuring secure coupling with a simple design that requires no additional complex components or manual intervention
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 solution enables secure coupling and easy uncoupling of trailers to tow vehicles with a simplified mechanism, reducing the number of parts and enhancing user convenience by utilizing a self-latching procedure that automatically retains the hitch, ensuring reliable attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
A trailer coupler design featuring a fixed body, a displaceable slide with a biasing member, and a retention mechanism that uses a coil spring for self-latching
Data Source
AI summary
A self-latching trailer coupler has a fixed body, a displaceable slide and a biasing member. The body includes a slide slot in which the slide is displaceable in reciprocating first and second displacement directions. The biasing member biases the slide in one of the displacement directions. A biasing chamber and a retention chamber are formed within a side of the slide. The biasing chamber has at least two sides enclosing the biasing member. The coupler additionally has a retention member attached to the body which extends into the biasing chamber and engages an end of the biasing member. The retention member further extends into the retention chamber to define the displacement limits of the slide.