Threaded Hitch Pin Lock for Anti-Sway and Theft Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch pins suffer from imprecise fitment with hitch receivers, leading to rocking or swaying during use and vulnerability to theft due to easy removal without unlocking the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A hitch pin lock system featuring a lock rod with external threads, a locking member, and a spring member, which secures to a hitch receiver through threaded connections, preventing unauthorized removal and maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a threaded connection is used between the lock rod and connector channel, then stability against rocking and swaying is improved, but security against theft deteriorates due to easy decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch pin is divided into multiple sections: a first section with external threads for stable connection, and a second section with a lock rod and locking member for security. The locking member can be in a locked position preventing removal or an unlocked position allowing removal, thus segmenting the functions of stability and security into separate operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the second section prevents decoupling of the threaded connection, providing security. In the unlocked position, removal is allowed. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between stable connection and theft prevention.
2Ease of operation
If the hitch pin outer dimensions are made smaller than the hitch receiver holes, then ease of insertion is improved, but stability deteriorates due to poor fitment and rocking
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch pin is segmented into a first section for insertion through the hitch receiver holes and a second section with the lock rod that provides additional stability. The lock rod with locking member engages with the connector channel to prevent rocking and swaying, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock rod acts as an intermediary element between the hitch pin and the connector channel. It provides a locking mechanism that prevents rocking and swaying while allowing the main body of the hitch pin to remain smaller than the hitch receiver holes for easy insertion.
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 system effectively reduces rocking and swaying while enhancing security by making it difficult to remove the hitch pin without unlocking, thus deterring theft.
Implementation Method 1
The spring member is disposed within the hole with at least a portion of the fastener passing through the spring member
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch pin lock includes a lock rod and a locking member. The lock rod having a first section, a second section, a fastener, and a spring member. The first section including a flanged head, a first shaft having first external threads, and a hole extending into a first shaft terminal end and including a terminal shoulder and a proximal shoulder. The second section including a tapered head extending from a lock groove, a second shaft, and a second section stud with an internally threaded hole with the second section stud connected to and extending from a second shaft proximal end. The fastener configured to mate with the internally threaded hole of the second section stud. The spring member disposed within the hole with at least a portion of the fastener passing through the spring member. The locking member including a locking member tube having an inside diameter, an outside diameter, and an engagement portion configured to secure to the lock groove when the locking member is in a locked position.