Trailer Tongue Lock With Rotating Support Leg Against Theft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer locks are easily defeated by thieves, requiring cumbersome deployment and often result in theft due to their vulnerability to cutting or removal, and they can be difficult to use, especially in dirty or muddy conditions, discouraging their use and leaving trailers exposed.
Innovation Solution
An improved trailer lock with an extendable support leg that rotates between a movable and parked position, featuring a locking mechanism to secure the trailer tongue, including a receiver, fastening pin, and a security plate to prevent unauthorized adjustment, enhancing security and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current mechanical locking devices are used on the trailer coupler, then the trailer is protected from theft when engaged with a vehicle, but the locking devices can be easily cut or removed making them vulnerable to theft when not engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to be rotatable between a first position (trailer movable) and a second position (trailer immobile), creating a dynamic locking system that changes state based on operational needs rather than relying on static mechanical locks that can be cut or removed
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is divided into separate functional components: the support member that provides the locking action, the locking mechanism that secures the support member, and the mounting structure. This segmentation allows the locking function to be separated from vulnerable padlocks and integrated into a more robust system
2Reliability
If sleeve-style locks are used to attach to the hitch, then the trailer coupler is secured, but the user must crawl underneath the trailer to mount or release the locking device which is difficult and dangerous in dirty or muddy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The support member extends laterally from the sidewall rather than requiring vertical access from underneath the trailer. This dimensional change allows the locking mechanism to be operated from the side of the trailer, eliminating the need to crawl underneath in dirty or muddy conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary element that translates lateral movement into a locking action on the coupler. By operating the support member from the side, the user indirectly secures the coupler without direct access to the hitch area from underneath
3Ease of operation
If the trailer tongue is left capable of being raised, then the trailer can be easily attached to a towing vehicle, but the trailer can also be easily moved by unauthorized persons
Solution Approach 1:
The support member provides dynamic control over tongue movement - when rotated to the first position, the tongue is free to move for attachment; when rotated to the second position, the tongue is locked in place. This dynamic positioning system allows the same mechanism to serve both convenience and security functions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed towards an improved trailer locking device configured for association with a trailer and a corresponding method of operation wherein movement of an associated trailer is limited by extending an extendable support at least partially received by a receiver having a complementary cross-section configured for slidable receipt of the extendable support, a fastening pin configured for at least partial passage through at least one side of the receiver and at least partially though the extendable support, the fastening mechanism being configured for engagement with the fastening pin, an upper support spaced from a lower support and configured for mounting the receiver in a vertical position and a security plate mounted on the receiver and configured to at least partially obscure the fastening pin.