Self-Locking Trailer Hitch Ball Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer hitches require manual locking and can be hazardous due to the risk of improper or accidental unlocking, especially when the towing vehicle is unattended during the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking trailer hitch design featuring a ball latch with a concave surface and a coil compression spring that automatically engages with the hitch ball, ensuring secure locking without manual intervention once the socket is properly positioned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual lever actuated latch is used to lock the trailer hitch to the hitch ball, then the trailer hitch can be securely locked, but the driver must exit the vehicle to verify the lock is secure, leaving the vehicle unattended and creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The ball latch automatically engages with the hitch ball when the socket is lowered onto it, locking the trailer hitch without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the weight and positioning of the socket to trigger the locking action, eliminating the need for the driver to exit the vehicle to verify the lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball latch is pre-positioned within the socket housing, ready to engage with the hitch ball. When the socket is lowered onto the hitch ball, the latch automatically moves into the engaged position without requiring any additional manual action, performing the locking function in advance of any verification step.
2Reliability
If the driver exits the vehicle to manually verify the lock is secure, then the connection safety can be confirmed, but the vehicle and trailer are left unattended during the locking procedure, creating accidental movement risks
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic locking mechanism eliminates the need for the driver to exit the vehicle to verify the lock. The system self-activates when the socket is properly positioned on the hitch ball, providing immediate confirmation that remains visible through the transparent portion of the socket housing, thus eliminating unattended time.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional latch device is used, then the trailer hitch can be locked to the hitch ball, but the latch may be inadvertently left open or accidentally engaged by obstacles, causing the latch to open
Solution Approach 1:
The ball latch is designed to automatically engage when the socket is lowered onto the hitch ball and cannot be accidentally disengaged by external obstacles. The spring-loaded mechanism ensures positive engagement, and the transparent housing allows the driver to visually confirm the locked state without exiting the vehicle, preventing both inadvertent and accidental openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent portion of the socket housing provides visual feedback to the driver about the latch engagement status. The driver can see whether the ball latch is engaged with the hitch ball without exiting the vehicle, providing immediate confirmation of the locked state and eliminating the need for manual verification.
4Reliability
If the socket is lowered onto the hitch ball with a ball latch in position, then the latch can engage the hitch ball stem, but the latch must first be moved out of the way to allow proper socket placement
Solution Approach 1:
The ball latch is designed as a movable component that can be dynamically positioned. During socket lowering, the latch is automatically pushed out of the way by the socket's weight and geometry. Once the socket is properly positioned, the spring mechanism returns the latch to its engaged position, automatically locking the hitch ball. This dynamic behavior simplifies the overall operation while maintaining reliable locking.
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-locking mechanism reduces the risk of improper locking and allows the vehicle operator to confirm the trailer hitch is securely locked without leaving the vehicle, enhancing safety and convenience during connection.
Implementation Method 1
a coil compression spring that engages the ball latch and a latch pin connected to the ball latch with the coil compression spring surrounding the latch pin for urging the ball latch toward its locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A ball latch 46 is reciprocally mounted in a latch slot 44 and is biased downwardly by coil compression spring 68 until the semi-spherical recess at its lower end becomes coextensive with the spherical surface of the ball socket 36. When the trailer hitch 16 is placed on the hitch ball 26, the force applied by the hitch ball against the ball latch 46 moves the ball latch upwardly against the bias of its spring 68 to make room for the hitch ball to enter the ball socket 36. Once the hitch ball is fully inserted in the ball socket 36, the spring 68 pushes the ball latch 46 back to its locked position about the hitch ball.