Auto-Latch Mechanism for Towing Disabled Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for latching a disabled vehicle to a towing vehicle require operators to exit their vehicles, exposing them to risks such as sniper fire, and are not adaptable to different latching mechanisms used by various manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
An auto-latching device with opposing plates and a movable plunger pin that connects to a disabled vehicle's eye-hook or lug, allowing the towing vehicle to hook up and tow away without operators leaving their vehicles, using a spring, air, or hydraulic cylinders for movement, and including a support plate to bear the weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual rigging is used to connect disabled vehicle to towing vehicle, then connection can be established, but operators are exposed to harmful factors such as sniper fire
Solution Approach 1:
The auto-latch mechanism enables the towing vehicle to automatically connect to the disabled vehicle without human intervention. The system uses a movable plunger pin that automatically engages with the connection point (eye-hook or lug) on the disabled vehicle when brought into proximity, allowing operators to remain inside their vehicles while the connection is established through automated mechanical action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated latching device that mediates between the towing vehicle and disabled vehicle. This device includes opposing plates supported by the towing vehicle and a plunger pin that acts as the connecting element, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle chains or hooks while ensuring reliable connection
2Reliability
If auto-latching device is designed for specific latching mechanism, then connection reliability is improved, but adaptability to different manufacturers' mechanisms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The auto-latch mechanism is designed with universal adaptability to work with different manufacturers' latching mechanisms. The opposing plates and plunger pin configuration can accommodate various eye-hook sizes and shapes by adjusting the plate spacing and plunger pin dimensions, allowing a single device design to serve multiple vehicle types without sacrificing connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter adjustments in the opposing plates and plunger pin to adapt to different connection points. By modifying parameters such as plate separation distance, plunger pin length, and pin diameter, the same basic mechanism can reliably connect to various eye-hook configurations used by different vehicle manufacturers
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic latching mechanism is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auto-latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: opposing plates supported by the towing vehicle, a movable plunger pin, and a connection point interface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential latching function from complex manual operations. By taking out only the critical elements needed for connection (opposing plates and plunger pin) and eliminating unnecessary components, the system achieves automated operation with minimal complexity, focusing solely on the core function of safe connection
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 safe and efficient automatic latching of disabled vehicles to towing vehicles, keeping operators inside their vehicles and accommodating different latching mechanisms, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A movable plunger pin may be permitted to connect the connection point to the plates, to align the crossbar with the plates and the connection point
Implementation Method 2
movement of the plunger pin may be controlled by a spring, or by air or hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 3
movement of the plunger pin may be controlled by a spring, or by air or hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 4
A support located between the plates, such as a curved plate, may be used to bear the weight of the connection portion and, thus, the disabled vehicle weight
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-latch mechanism enabling a towing vehicle to hook-up and tow-away a disabled vehicle without the need for either operator of the vehicles to exit their interior. In a preferred embodiment, the auto-latch mechanism includes opposing guide plates and a plunger pin with a distal portion movable to a location between the plates. When a connecting portion of the disabled vehicle is positioned between the opposing plates, the plunger pin may be engaged to the connecting portion, to thereby accomplish hook-up of the disabled vehicle to the towing vehicle. A method for using the auto-latch mechanism is also disclosed and claimed.