Modular Trailer Tongue Assembly with Internal Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailer tongue assemblies are susceptible to theft when not in use, as existing locking mechanisms require external locks that can be easily broken or bypassed, lacking an internal secure locking solution.
Innovation Solution
A trailer tongue assembly with a translating ball clamp that moves internally within the tongue assembly body, actuated by a control unit with wireless communication capabilities, eliminating the need for external locks by providing a secure, internal locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external lock is used on the tongue assembly to prevent theft, then the trailer can be secured when not in use, but the lock can be easily broken, picked, cut, and removed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the tongue assembly body itself. The ball clamp is positioned inside the tongue assembly and can be actuated to block the ball socket opening from the interior, eliminating the need for external locks that are vulnerable to theft.
Solution Approach 2:
A actuating device serves as an intermediary mechanism that translates a user input (such as a key or electronic signal) into the movement of the ball clamp. This intermediary allows secure locking without requiring the user to directly manipulate vulnerable external locks.
2Reliability
If the ball clamp is positioned to block the ball socket opening for security, then theft is prevented, but the hitch ball cannot be inserted or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The ball clamp is designed to be dynamically positionable between at least two positions: a first position where it blocks the ball socket opening for security, and a second position where it allows the hitch ball to be inserted or removed. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between security and operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating device is configured to automatically position the ball clamp in the blocking position after the hitch ball is inserted, and to move it to the allowing position before removal is needed. This preliminary action ensures security is maintained without requiring manual intervention for each operation.
3Reliability
If a translating ball clamp mechanism is implemented internally, then external locks are eliminated and security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device and ball clamp are merged into a single integrated assembly that moves together as one unit. This combining of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall internal mechanism while maintaining the security benefits of the translating ball clamp.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer tongue assembly includes a tongue body, a ball clamp, an actuating device, and a control unit. The tongue body is coupled to a frame and includes a ball socket that defines a socket volume. The ball clamp is located within the tongue body and translates internally within the tongue body so as to selectively protrude into and out of the socket volume. The actuating device is in communication with the ball clamp and is configured to position the ball clamp within the socket volume. The control unit is in communication with the actuating device and is configured to regulate the operation of the actuating device. In all, the tongue body surrounds the ball clamp, the actuating device and the control unit.