Break-Away Tow Hook Mount for Vehicle Crash Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tow hooks mounted on vehicles can interfere with the distribution of force during collisions, potentially causing acute deformation or collapse, as they extend from the frontal surface and may interfere with force measurement and airbag deployment systems.
Innovation Solution
A break-away tow hook design that includes a mount securing the tow hook to the vehicle's surface, allowing it to remain in place under pulling forces but displace when subjected to forces directed towards the surface, thereby avoiding interference with force distribution and energy absorption systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tow hook is rigidly mounted to the front bumper surface, then the towing function is stable and reliable, but the force distribution during collision is disrupted causing acute deformation or collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The tow hook is designed with a break-away mount that transitions from a fixed rigid state during normal towing operations to a movable/disconnectable state during collision. The mount includes a break-away feature that allows the tow hook to disconnect or move when subjected to forces exceeding a predetermined threshold, thereby maintaining reliability for towing while preventing force distribution disruption during crashes.
2Ease of operation
If the tow hook extends from the frontal surface, then it is easily accessible for towing operations, but it interferes with force measurement and airbag deployment systems
Solution Approach 1:
The tow hook maintains an extended position for ease of access during normal operations but dynamically repositions or disconnects when collision forces are detected. The break-away mount enables this dynamic behavior, allowing the hook to be accessible when needed while removing interference with force measurement sensors and airbag deployment systems during collision events.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tow hook is designed to remain fixed under all conditions, then positioning stability is maintained, but crashworthiness is compromised due to localized forces
Solution Approach 1:
The tow hook system transitions from a stable fixed position during normal towing to a movable or disconnected state during collision. The break-away mount is designed with a predetermined break point that allows the hook to remain stable during towing operations while sacrificing the mount connection during crash conditions to preserve overall vehicle crashworthiness and prevent localized deformation.
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 break-away design enables the tow hook to function without compromising the vehicle's crashworthiness, allowing forces to be distributed across the bumper and reducing the risk of injury or damage during impacts, while maintaining functionality for towing purposes.
Implementation Method 1
The mount is configured to maintain a position of the tow hook relative to the surface in response to a pulling force being applied to the tow hook in a first direction away from the surface of the vehicle. The mount is further configured to enable the tow hook to move relative to the surface in response to the tow hook incurring a force in a second direction, wherein the second direction is at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, vehicles, and methods for a break-away tow hook. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a tow hook configured to extend in a first direction from a surface of a vehicle and to receive a towing line. A mount is configured to displaceably secure the tow hook to the surface. The mount is configured to maintain a position of the tow hook relative to the surface in response to a pulling force being applied to the tow hook in a first direction away from the surface of the vehicle. The mount is further configured to enable the tow hook to move relative to the surface in response to the tow hook incurring a force in a second direction, wherein the second direction is at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle.