Dual-Ball Trailer Coupler Lock Filler

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Solution Overview

Problem

Trailer hitch couplers can be inadvertently or intentionally detached from towing vehicles when not in use, posing a risk of theft and accidental detachment.

Innovation Solution

An off-vehicle lock device with two integrally formed ball ends, matching common hitch ball sizes, is inserted into the coupler to prevent removal by acting as a filler, secured with a cable for suspension, ensuring the coupler cannot be attached to another towing vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the coupler is left open and accessible when not in use, then it is easy to attach to a towing vehicle, but it becomes vulnerable to theft and accidental detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of theft and accidental detachmentVSAvoidease of attachment to towing vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock device is pre-installed in the coupler before the coupler is attached to a towing vehicle. The ball-shaped end is positioned to fill the hitch ball aperture, and the cable is ready to be threaded through the coupler's locking mechanism, preventing attachment before it occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lock device acts as an intermediary element between the coupler and any potential towing vehicle. The ball-shaped end mimics a hitch ball but includes integrated locking features that interfere with the normal coupling operation, requiring the cable to be threaded through the coupler's locking mechanism to prevent attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a lock device is added to prevent theft and accidental detachment, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against theft and accidental detachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of coupler assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock device serves multiple functions: it prevents theft by blocking the hitch ball aperture, prevents accidental detachment by requiring the cable to be threaded through the locking mechanism, and can be easily installed and removed by the user. The ball-shaped end also mimics the appearance of a real hitch ball, providing visual indication that the coupler is locked

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable acts as a flexible element that can be threaded through the coupler's locking mechanism and around the ball-shaped end. This flexible component allows the lock to be easily installed and removed without requiring complex tools or mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while providing effective security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS9352625B2Off-vehicle trailer hitch coupler lock and assembly

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 FRANTZ CATHERN J

AI summary

The device and assembly provides a structure having two ball-shaped ends that are integrally formed as a single structure. With one of the balls inserted into a trailer coupler, the clamping device of the coupler can be locked as it would be when connected to a trailer hitch ball. The device and assembly of the present invention is intended to be a “filler” structure which prevents theft of a trailer using the coupler because the coupler cavity is filled and locked. Preferably, the ball ends are made of a single piece of hard plastic, nylon or metal material (although plastic is preferred for a light-weight structure) and connected to a cable that allows the device to be suspended from the coupler for use when necessary. Each ball is sized in accordance with at least two different sizes of hitch balls that are used in the coupler market.