Trailer Tongue Stand with Integrated Coupler Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unhitched trailers are vulnerable to theft due to weaknesses in existing anti-theft devices and unstable trailer jacks, which can collapse under load or provide excessive movement, leading to wear on trailer components.
Innovation Solution
A protective coupler shell device that surrounds the hitch ball and coupler, providing a stable support structure with a locking system using heavy-duty materials and a padlock mechanism, combining the functions of a trailer stand and anti-theft device to prevent unauthorized access and stabilize the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing anti-theft devices (coupler locks, wheel locks, chains) are used, then theft prevention is attempted, but they are vulnerable to common theft tools (bolt cutters, chain cutters, drills, saws, grinders)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the trailer stand support function with the anti-theft coupler protection function into a single integrated device. The stand structure incorporates a locked coupler assembly that prevents unauthorized access to the coupler, while simultaneously providing stable support for the trailer tongue. This merging eliminates the need for separate anti-theft devices that are vulnerable to tools, by integrating protection directly into the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand assembly uses composite construction combining heavy-duty steel components for the stand poles and base, along with a robust coupler assembly. The structure integrates multiple materials and components (steel poles, welded joints, locked coupler mechanism) to create a unified system that resists both structural collapse and theft tool attacks, addressing both stability and security requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If trailer jacks are used to support unhitched trailers, then the trailer can be stabilized, but they can collapse under load or provide excessive movement
Solution Approach 1:
The stand assembly incorporates a curved or angled configuration in its support structure, with poles positioned to provide optimal load distribution. The coupler assembly is integrated at an angle that naturally resists lateral movement and distributes vertical loads more effectively than a simple vertical jack, reducing the risk of collapse and excessive movement while maintaining stability.
3Reliability
If a protective coupler shell is added to surround the hitch ball and coupler, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective coupler shell is not an add-on component but is integrated into the stand structure itself. The stand poles and coupler assembly form a unified structure where the protection function is inherent to the support mechanism. This integration avoids increasing overall device complexity while providing robust coupler protection, as the same structural elements that support the trailer also protect the coupler from theft.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer anti-theft device is disclosed which provides a protective coupler shell that surrounds an affixed hitch ball, and which surrounds a received hitch coupler. The protective coupler shell can be selectively disengaged, such as by unlocking, to allow access to and removal of the hitch coupler from the affixed hitch ball.