Collapsible Tow Hook for Vehicle Impact Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tow hooks on vehicles compromise vehicle crush performance during barrier impacts due to their design, affecting compliance with governmental regulations, while requiring high strength for towing.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible tow hook design featuring a bracket with laterally spaced side walls and a retainer mechanism that allows the tow loop to pivot and collapse under loads opposite to the towing direction, absorbing energy and reducing impact force on the vehicle structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional heavy duty tow hook is used, then towing strength and reliability are improved, but vehicle crush performance under barrier impact is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tow hook is designed with a retainer mechanism that allows it to dynamically change its state between a rigid towing position and a collapsed impact position. The retainer can be selectively positioned to either restrain the tow loop in its upward towing position or allow it to collapse downward, transforming the tow hook from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that adapts to different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and orientation of the tow loop through controlled parameter changes. During towing, the loop maintains its upward position with full structural integrity. During impact, the loop is allowed to pivot downward and collapse, changing its orientation and absorbing impact energy, thereby reducing the force transmitted to the vehicle structure.
2Reliability
If a rigid tow hook structure is used, then towing reliability is improved, but compliance with governmental barrier performance regulations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism enables the tow hook to switch between two distinct states: a rigid reliable state for towing operations where the retainer restrains the loop upward, and a compliant impact state for barrier performance where the retainer allows the loop to collapse downward, ensuring regulatory compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is extracted as a separate controllable element that independently manages the tow loop's position. By separating the restraining function from the structural body, the system can selectively engage or disengage the restraint mechanism, allowing the tow hook to exhibit different mechanical behaviors as needed for either towing reliability or impact compliance.
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 collapsible tow hook maintains high strength for towing while minimizing impact on vehicle barrier performance compliance, allowing the vehicle structure to absorb full impact force and reducing regulatory influence.
Implementation Method 1
The retainer yields to allow the first and second bolts to traverse the slots upon the imposition of a load on the tow loop in a direction opposite to the towing direction so that the tow loop is pivoted to a collapsed position relative to the vehicle structure
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible tow hook for a motor vehicle includes a bracket attached to a vehicle structure and having laterally spaced side walls with first and second slots in each of the side walls. A tow loop has laterally spaced arms that straddle the spaced side walls of the bracket. First and second bolts extend through bolt holes in the laterally spaced arms and through the slots of the side walls. A retainer acts between the bracket and the first and second bolts to establish a normal upward position of the tow loop on the vehicle. The retainer yields to allow the first and second bolts to traverse the slots upon the imposition of a load on the tow loop in a direction opposite to the towing direction so that the tow loop is pivoted to a collapsed position relative to the vehicle structure.