Trailer Connector Locking Cover Against Accidental Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for trailer elements are prone to unintentional or undesired disconnection due to environmental influences such as collisions, vibrations, or tampering, lacking sufficient safety measures.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a locking element with an access restriction means, such as a spring-loaded cover, that limits access to the locking mechanism, requiring a two-step operation for disconnection and ensuring the locking element is only accessible when the cover is retracted, thereby enhancing safety against unintended disconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element is provided to prevent disconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated within the socket structure, with the locking element's button portion accessible through an opening in the socket's outer surface. The locking element's engagement portion fits within the pin's circumferential groove, creating a nested arrangement where the locking mechanism is contained within the socket rather than being a separate external component.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket serves multiple functions: it receives and holds the connecting pin, provides structural support, and houses the locking element mechanism. The locking element itself serves dual purposes by both locking the pin in place and providing a user interface through its button portion that can be actuated to release the lock.
2Reliability
If access to locking element is restricted, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The socket's outer surface includes a specifically positioned opening that asymmetrically exposes only the button portion of the locking element while concealing the engagement portion. This asymmetric design allows the button to be accessible for intentional release operations while the engagement portion remains protected within the socket structure, preventing accidental actuation from external collisions or vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is divided into distinct functional portions: the button portion that provides user access for release, and the engagement portion that interfaces with the pin's groove. The socket's opening segments the accessibility, allowing only the button portion to be exposed while the critical engagement portion remains protected within the socket body.
3Reliability
If the connector is protected from environmental factors, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket's outer surface acts as a protective shell that encloses the locking element's engagement portion and other internal components. This shell structure with its integrated opening provides environmental protection while maintaining necessary access points, eliminating the need for separate protective covers or enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is merged into the socket structure itself. The socket's outer surface is designed to simultaneously provide structural support, house the locking mechanism, and protect internal components from environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and physical damage, while the opening in the outer surface provides controlled access.
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 design provides enhanced safety against unintentional disconnection and tampering by requiring a deliberate two-step process, ensuring secure connection and preventing accidental release of the connecting pin from the socket.
Implementation Method 1
the cover, preferably against a spring bias, to its retracted state and maintain the cover in said retracted state prior to disconnection of the connecting pin from the socket
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a connector for connecting a trailer element to a towing vehicle component. The connector comprises first part comprising a connecting pin, the first part adapted to be mounted on either one of a trailer element and a towing vehicle component, and a second part comprising a socket adapted to be mounted on the other of the trailer element and the towing vehicle component and configured to receive the connecting pin. The second part further comprises a locking element configured to releasably lock the connecting pin to the socket. The connector further comprises an access restriction means configured to limit access to the locking element for the next locking or unlocking action between the connecting pin and the socket.