Remote-Controlled Hook with Offset Pivot for ATV Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
All-terrain vehicles attached to traction means with hooks on steep terrain often detach unintentionally when driven downhill, causing damage to the slope, as existing solutions do not reliably secure the vehicle during unhooking via remote control.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle is designed with a hook that engages over a stationary suspension means, featuring a pivot axis offset laterally from the traction attachment point, and a locking bolt actuated by an electric motor via remote control, ensuring stable unhooking by engaging a receptacle and locking recess, and optionally equipped with a braking device to prevent rope slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hook is used to attach the all-terrain vehicle to a stationary suspension means with a rope, then the vehicle can be pulled uphill on steep terrain, but the vehicle may unintentionally detach when driven downhill
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is designed with an unstable equilibrium state that automatically opens when the attachment point moves below the pivot axis during downhill driving. The gravitational force creates a moment that pivots the hook open without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-activating for safety purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual unhooking operation is replaced by an automatic mechanical response to the vehicle's position. The hook's pivot axis geometry and unstable equilibrium design substitute for manual operation, automatically detecting when unhooking is needed based on the attachment point's position relative to the pivot axis.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pivot axis is positioned on the straight line connecting the suspension means and traction means attachment points, then the hook remains stable during operation, but it cannot automatically open when unlocked
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis is deliberately positioned asymmetrically offset from the straight line connecting the suspension means and traction means attachment points. This asymmetric positioning creates an unstable equilibrium state that enables automatic opening when the attachment point moves below the pivot axis during downhill operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook transitions from a static stable equilibrium position to a dynamic unstable equilibrium state when the attachment point moves below the pivot axis. This dynamic change allows the hook to automatically pivot open in response to the vehicle's position change during downhill driving.
3Force
If the hook is designed for secure attachment during uphill pulling, then reliable traction is achieved, but the hook creates ditch-like depressions in the slope when driving downhill without attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The hook's automatic opening mechanism preemptively prevents the harmful effect of slope damage by opening before the vehicle can create ditch-like depressions during downhill driving. The unstable equilibrium design anticipates the downhill motion and automatically releases the attachment to prevent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravitational force that could potentially cause the vehicle to dig into the slope during downhill driving is converted into a beneficial force that automatically opens the hook. The same gravity that creates the risk of slope damage is utilized to trigger the safety release mechanism.
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 secure remote-controlled unhooking of all-terrain vehicles, preventing damage to slopes and ensuring safe detachment, suitable for various off-road applications including ski slope preparation and forestry vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the hook is provided with an extension into which the locking bolt engages... provide the hook with an elongated hole through which the pivot axis passes and which has a spring on it to support the pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
a locking bolt actuated by an electric motor via remote control
Implementation Method 3
the pivot axis of the hook is not in the straight line that connects the point of application of the suspension means with the attachment point of the traction means, but slightly... offset laterally... this arrangement adjusts itself an unstable state occurs when the hook is unlocked
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A device for attaching an off-road vehicle (F) with a towing device (9) in steep terrain to a stationary attachment point (8) having a hook (2) on the towing device (9) has a pivot head (1) to which the towing device (9) is attached and to which the hook (2) is pivotally connected between a closed position, in which the tip (5) of the hook (2) is pivoted towards the pivot head (1), and a release position, in which the hook tip (5) is pivoted away from the pivot head (1). Furthermore, a locking bolt (17) slidably guided on the pivot head (1) for locking the hook (2) and a remote control for an actuator for unlocking the locking bolt (17) are provided.