Bow-Shaped Coupling Device for Towing Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for towing loads behind a person, such as sulkies and rickshaws, cause unsteady and jerking motions due to direct rigid connections, leading to uncomfortable and unsafe experiences for both the person and the load, especially during activities like walking or running, as they fail to absorb vibrations and accommodate varying human movements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A bow-shaped coupling device connects a harness to a carriage, allowing for adjustable and flexible attachment that reduces the impact of human motion on the load and vice versa, providing stability and comfort by incorporating a wishbone-shaped connector and adjustable dampening elements to absorb accelerations and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid direct connection is used between the person and the load, then the constant distance between the person and load is maintained, but the load experiences unsteady and jerking motions due to human bipedal gait
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid connection is replaced with a flexible cable of variable length that can dynamically adjust its parameters (length, tension) to maintain constant distance while filtering out high-frequency vibrations and jerking motions caused by bipedal gait
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible cable serves as an intermediary element between the person and the load, mediating the transmission of forces and motions. This cable allows relative movement while maintaining connection, thereby eliminating direct rigid coupling and the associated jerking motions
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection system is used, then the structural stability is maintained, but the impact absorption capability is insufficient leading to unsafe towing
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a rigid structure with fixed parameters to a flexible cable system with variable parameters (length, tension, flexibility) that can adapt to different surface conditions and impact levels, providing both stability and impact absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cable inherently provides cushioning before impacts occur by its elastic properties, absorbing and dampening vibrations and impacts from the surface before they can be transmitted to the load, thereby preventing harmful effects
3Strength
If a rigid towing device is used, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the comfort and safety for the person is compromised due to transmitted forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system changes from rigid (high stiffness) to flexible (low stiffness), allowing the cable to deform and absorb forces during human movement, thereby maintaining connection strength while reducing force transmission to the person
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cable acts as a force-filtering intermediary that weakens the transmission of impact forces and vibrations from the load to the person, making the towing experience comfortable and safe while maintaining adequate connection strength
4Adaptability or versatility
If the harness is made adjustable for comfort and range of motion, then the adaptability to different activities is improved, but the connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cable system provides universal adaptability across different activities (walking, running, cycling, skiing) while maintaining connection stability through its inherent flexibility and ability to accommodate various motion patterns without compromising the towing 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
The solution enables a comfortable and safe towing experience for both the person and the load, allowing for a wide range of motion while reducing jerking motions and vibrations, making it suitable for various activities like walking, jogging, cycling, or skiing, and accommodating different user heights and activities.
Implementation Method 1
a bow-shaped coupling device, which reduces or dampens the effect of human motion on the load and the effect of load motion on the human
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for towing a load behind a person is disclosed which reduces or dampens the effect of human movement on the load and vice versa. Further, the apparatus and method reduce or dampen the impact and vibrations resulting from traveling over a surface. In one embodiment, the apparatus and method is comprised of a harness for a person to wear, a carriage, and a bow connecting the harness and the carriage.