Trailer Hitch Receiver Locking Apparatus with Automatic Safety Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing hitch devices to universal hitch receivers is cumbersome and time-consuming, often requiring tools like pliers and hammers, and lacks a reliable safety mechanism to prevent accidental separation.
Innovation Solution
A trailer hitch receiver locking apparatus with a single lever arm mechanism that allows easy interchange of hitch devices, featuring a locking mechanism and an automatically engaging safety mechanism for secure attachment without the need for tools, comprising a main frame, pin assemblies, and a pivotally connected locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional pin and cotter pin securing method is used, then the hitch device can be retained in the hitch receiver, but the securing process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming requiring tools like pliers and hammers
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded pins that automatically engage with the hitch receiver when the lever arm is moved to the locked position, eliminating the need for manual insertion of cotter pins or use of tools like pliers and hammers
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static pin-and-cotter system to a dynamic lever arm system with movable spring-loaded pins that can be quickly actuated by a single lever arm movement, enabling rapid locking and unlocking without tools
2Reliability
If a traditional pin and cotter pin system is used, then the hitch device can be secured, but the process requires multiple tools and steps increasing time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pins are pre-positioned and loaded within the locking mechanism, ready to automatically engage with the hitch receiver when the lever arm is actuated, eliminating the need for sequential manual operations of inserting pins and securing them with cotter pins
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism combines multiple functions (pin insertion, retention, and locking) into a single integrated assembly that operates through one lever arm movement, consolidating what was previously a multi-step process requiring multiple tools into a single rapid action
3Device complexity
If a simple pin system is used, then the structure remains simple, but there is no safety mechanism to prevent accidental separation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pins are pre-loaded with spring force that maintains constant engagement pressure with the hitch receiver, providing a safety mechanism that prevents accidental separation due to vibration or load changes without adding complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses simple, robust spring-loaded pins rather than expensive complex locking mechanisms, achieving reliable accident prevention through straightforward mechanical means that are easy to manufacture and replace if needed
4Ease of operation
If a lever arm locking mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct modular components (lever arm, spring-loaded pins, pin housings) that can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall design and maintenance while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it actuates the locking pins, provides the locking action, and enables quick release, consolidating what could be multiple separate mechanisms into a single multi-functional component
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
Enables quick and secure attachment of hitch devices to hitch receivers with minimal effort, providing enhanced security against accidental separation and eliminating the need for tools, while ensuring seamless connections and improved user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned within the locking mechanism that is biased in a first direction so as to push the pin outward
Implementation Method 2
a lever arm pivotally connected to the locking mechanism, wherein the lever arm is configured to actuate the locking mechanism from a first position to a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer hitch receiver locking apparatus includes a main frame, a first pin assembly, a second pin assembly, a locking mechanism, and an automatically engaging safety mechanism. The first pin assembly and the second pin assembly are engaged in between the main frame and the locking mechanism in such way that the first pin assembly and the second pin assembly are operated in between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by the locking mechanism. The main frame is connected with the hitch receiver so that the trailer hitch receiver locking apparatus is able to secure different hitch devices with the hitch receiver through operation of the automatically engaging safety mechanism, the locking mechanism, the first pin assembly, and the second pin assembly.