Trailer Coupler Lock with Rotating Shackle and Pin Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer locks for 'ball' type couplers are vulnerable to theft, as they can be easily breached using tools like hammers, pry bars, or battery-powered grinders, and existing designs lack sufficient security features to prevent unauthorized removal.
Innovation Solution
A hidden shackle and hasp style trailer coupler lock system with a pin body assembly that slides into the coupler ball socket, featuring a rotatable shackle head, non-circular protruding pin, and shackle retaining roll pins, which secures the lock body to the coupler, making it difficult for thieves to access or remove without extensive tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional trailer lock designs are used, then the lock structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lock can be easily breached with common tools like hammers, pry bars, or grinders
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body is divided into multiple components including a outer lock body, inner lock body, shackle assembly with rotating shackle head, and retaining mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to overall security while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested structures where the inner lock body is positioned within the outer lock body, the shackle head rotates within the shackle assembly, and retaining mechanisms are embedded within the lock body structure. This nesting provides multiple layers of protection without significantly increasing external dimensions
2Reliability
If external retainer bar designs are used, then the lock body is held in position, but the retainer bar can be cut with bolt cutters or battery powered tools
Solution Approach 1:
The shackle head features an asymmetric rotating mechanism with non-circular engagement surfaces that interact with corresponding asymmetric retaining features in the lock body. This asymmetric design prevents simple cutting or prying approaches from being effective, as the engagement geometry requires specific rotational movement to disengage
Solution Approach 2:
The shackle head is designed to rotate between locked and unlocked positions, transforming from a static retention structure to a dynamic one. This rotational mechanism provides active security where the retention force can be applied in multiple orientations and requires deliberate rotational action to overcome, rather than simple linear force application
3Ease of operation
If notched rail and catch designs are used, then the lock can be installed quickly, but the lock body can be forced off the coupler with a pry bar
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body and shackle assembly appear to be constructed from hardened metal materials with high strength-to-weight ratios. The engagement surfaces and retaining features are designed with material properties that resist both cutting and prying forces, combining structural integrity with security performance
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer coupler lock includes a coupler lock body and pin body assembly. The lock body retains the pin body assembly and slides horizontally onto a trailer coupler. When the lock body is in position under the trailer coupler, the pin body assembly is slid upward through the lock body and a protruding pin section of the pin body passes via a top hole in the pin body to enter into the coupler ball socket. While the pin body is in this position, a key is utilized to slide a shackle on the pin body assembly through a hasp on the lock body thereby blocking retraction of the pin body and locking the whole assembly together onto the trailer coupler. In this locked position, the protruding pin section of the pin body secures the coupler lock body to the trailer coupler and prevents an unwanted union with a trailer hitch.