Trailer Coupler Latch with Top-Actuated Locking Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer couplers often fail to ensure secure engagement with hitch balls, leading to potential disengagement during towing, which can be dangerous, and require multiple steps for proper locking, making them inefficient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded trailer coupler with a latch system that can be activated from the top to secure the hitch ball, featuring a grasping mechanism and a manual locking pin to prevent accidental disengagement, ensuring the latch remains engaged until the pin is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gripping system is used to engage the hitch ball, then the coupler can be easily attached, but the system may accidentally disengage during towing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a locking mechanism that prevents the latch from returning to the open position before the coupler is properly secured. The lock engages the latch in the closed position, creating a preliminary counter-force against any accidental opening forces that might occur during towing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the operator to manually engage the lock after closing the latch. This preliminary locking action ensures that the coupler is secured before any towing forces are applied, preventing accidental disengagement while maintaining ease of attachment through a simple two-step process.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental disengagement, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism with the existing latch structure, integrating the lock into the same assembly rather than adding a completely separate system. The lock works in conjunction with the latch to provide enhanced security while maintaining a compact, unified design that minimizes overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the lock to serve multiple purposes: it secures the latch in the closed position, provides a visual indicator of proper engagement, and can be used to quickly release the coupler when needed. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Reliability
If multiple steps are required for proper locking, then security against accidental disengagement improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the locking mechanism to automatically engage the latch in the closed position once the operator initiates the locking action. The spring-loaded components and cam mechanisms automatically complete the securing process without requiring multiple manual adjustments or verification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, straightforward locking action that can be quickly performed and easily verified. The design prioritizes rapid engagement over complex multi-step procedures, allowing operators to quickly secure the coupler and move on to the next task without prolonged interaction with the locking mechanism.
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 solution provides a secure and efficient locking mechanism that prevents accidental disengagement of the trailer from the hitch ball, enhancing safety and simplifying the coupling process while ensuring the trailer remains securely attached during towing.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned thereon wherein the spring acts on the latch of the trailer coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A new and improved trailer coupler which is spring loaded, and connected to the hitch ball of a towing vehicle is provided. Moreover, the new and improved trailer coupler has a latch activated from the top of the trailer coupler that is connected to a means for grasping and securing the hitch ball on a tow vehicle such that the trailer coupler does not unhitch from the ball of the tow vehicle. Further, the present invention provides a new and improved trailer coupler having a latch apparatus that facilitates engagement and disengagement of the trailer coupler to the hitch ball of the tow vehicle wherein the latch apparatus has a secondary locking mechanism in the form of a locking pin wherein the locking pin is placed in a position within the latch apparatus wherein the locking pin penetrates an opening within the latch such that the latch apparatus may not be manually or accidentally unlatched without prior removal of the locking pin.