Crossmember-Inserted Towing Hook Structure for High Towing Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional towing hook attachment structures face insufficient attachment strength when subjected to excessive towing inputs, which can lead to failure during towing operations.
Innovation Solution
A towing hook attachment structure where the towing hook is fastened to a crossmember with insertion holes along the vehicle width direction, allowing for secure attachment via bolts, distributing the towing load effectively across both sides of the crossmember, thereby enhancing attachment strength and preventing interference with other vehicle components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the towing hook is fastened to the outer surface of the crossmember by a bolt, then the attachment structure is simple, but the attachment strength becomes insufficient when excessive towing input is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The towing hook fastening portion is inserted into the insertion hole formed in the crossmember, creating a nested configuration where the towing hook attachment structure is positioned within the crossmember structure. This nesting arrangement increases attachment strength by distributing loads through the crossmember thickness while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion hole extends in the vehicle width direction, transforming the attachment from a surface-level connection to a three-dimensional insertion configuration. This dimensional change allows the towing hook to be secured through the crossmember rather than merely attached to its outer surface, significantly enhancing attachment strength.
2Reliability
If the towing hook is fastened to the outer surface of the crossmember, then the attachment structure is simple, but the towing load cannot be received in a large range
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the towing hook fastening portion into the insertion hole of the crossmember, the attachment structure achieves improved reliability for receiving towing loads. The nested configuration allows the load to be distributed across a larger area of the crossmember structure, enhancing the towing load reception capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the towing hook position is changed to rearward to avoid collision load input, then collision load absorption is improved, but the towing hook may interfere with other vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion hole extending in the vehicle width direction allows the towing hook to be positioned at an optimized location that rearwardly avoids collision load input paths while the width-direction insertion ensures proper alignment and prevents interference with other vehicle components. This dimensional approach enables simultaneous satisfaction of multiple spatial constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A first crossmember is divided into a right crossmember and a left crossmember. A right fastened portion of a towing hook is inserted into the right crossmember, and a bolt is fastened by being passed through a bolt insertion hole of the right crossmember and a bolt insertion hole of the right fastened portion of the towing hook. A left fastened portion of the towing hook is inserted into the left crossmember, and a bolt is fastened by being passed through a bolt insertion hole of the left crossmember and a bolt insertion hole of the left fastened portion of the towing hook. Hereby, the attachment strength of the towing hook can be secured sufficiently, and even in a case where an input at the time of towing of a vehicle is excessive, the towing can be performed successfully.