Trailer Coupling Ball-Lock Mechanism for Secure Heavy-Load Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle trailer coupling mechanisms lack a robust and reliable locking mechanism, leading to insecure attachment and detachment, especially during vehicle maneuvers or when towing heavy loads, posing safety risks and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A novel coupling/locking mechanism featuring a first and second locking portion with semi-spherical ball locks and tapered engaging ends, ensuring secure attachment and compatibility with a wide range of trailer configurations, along with a sophisticated suspension system for stable operation on uneven terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hitches and couplings are used for trailer attachment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of attachment is compromised leading to insecure connection during vehicle maneuvers or heavy load towing
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into two separate locking portions (first and second locking portions) that can independently engage with the trailer. Each locking portion has its own housing, prong, and ball lock components, allowing distributed securing forces and improved reliability without requiring a single complex locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs semi-spherical ball locks and tapered engaging ends that utilize spherical and conical geometries. The semi-spherical balls rotate within cavities to form a spherical ball lock, while tapered ends guide alignment and distribute contact forces across curved surfaces, enhancing both reliability and ease of engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to various trailer types and sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed with universal adaptability to work with various trailer types and sizes. The two locking portions can be independently adjusted and positioned to accommodate different trailer configurations, while maintaining a standardized engagement process that preserves ease of operation across diverse applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable semi-spherical ball locks that can adjust their position within cavities, and tapered engaging ends that self-align during coupling. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the mechanism to adapt to various trailer configurations while maintaining simple operation through automatic alignment features.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional suspension systems are used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the stability and alignment with trailer on uneven terrains is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system incorporates specialized damping elements and spring mechanisms localized at critical coupling points between the vehicle and trailer. This targeted approach provides enhanced stability and alignment where most needed during uneven terrain operation, without requiring a completely complex suspension system throughout the entire vehicle structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling/locking mechanism, that includes a first and second coupling/locking portion, each having their respective housing that includes (i) first/second prongs comprising first/second cavities and tapered engaging ends, (ii) first/second semi-spherical ball locks configured in the cavities, and (iii) first/second openings. During engagement, the first tapered end is configured to contact a face of the second semi-spherical ball lock locking portion through the second opening, and the second tapered end is configured to contact a face of the first semi-spherical ball lock locking portion through the first opening to rotatably align the first and second semi-spherical balls along a joining plane to form a spherical ball lock in the cavity of the first prong and the cavity of the second prong. A spur gear engages with the spherical ball lock to rotatably offset the spherical ball lock from the joining plane to a configured offset plane.