Towing Coupler Dual-Latch Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing couplers for land vehicle trailers lack efficient mechanisms for securely attaching and detaching towing elements, often resulting in cumbersome operations and potential safety hazards due to inadequate retention systems.
Innovation Solution
A towing coupler design featuring a dual-latch mechanism with pivot axes and biased springs, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement of towing elements, with surfaces configured for precise retention and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single latch mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of retaining the towing element is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into two independent latch mechanisms (first latch and second latch) that operate separately but work together to secure the towing element. Each latch provides independent retention, so if one fails, the other maintains security. This segmentation increases reliability while keeping each individual latch relatively simple in design.
2Reliability
If a dual-latch mechanism is implemented, then the reliability of towing element retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second latch mechanisms are merged into a single integrated assembly mounted on the same body structure. Both latches share common mounting points and work together to secure the towing element, providing redundant retention while maintaining a compact overall structure. This merging approach increases reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the first latch is biased to the open position, then the ease of operation for attaching towing elements is improved, but the force required to close and secure the latch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first latch uses a spring bias mechanism that dynamically adjusts the latch position. The spring maintains the latch in an open position during normal operation, allowing easy attachment of towing elements. When closing force is applied, the latch transitions to a closed position where engagement surfaces lock it securely. This dynamic behavior provides ease of operation while managing the force requirements through controlled mechanical advantage.
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 dual-latch mechanism provides a secure and efficient method for attaching and detaching towing elements, enhancing safety and ease of use by distributing loading forces and maintaining alignment, even in challenging terrain conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring coupled to the body and to the first latch and biasing the first latch to pivot about the first latch pivot axis in a first direction and away from the first latch closed position
Implementation Method 2
a second spring coupled to the body and to the second latch and biasing the second latch to pivot about the second latch pivot axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A towing coupler for truck or other vehicle includes a body and a hook. A first latch is coupled to the body for pivoting about a first pivot axis between an open and closed position. In the open position, a draw bar or other towing element of a towed vehicle can be placed on or removed from the hook while in the closed position the first latch retains the draw bar on the hook. A second latch is coupled to the body for pivoting about a second pivot axis between first and second positions. The first latch is biased to pivot toward the open position and the second latch is biased to pivot in the opposite direction from the first latch. The first and second latches have surfaces configured for coupling together to retain the first latch in the position to which it is moved.