Detachable Tow Hook Assembly With Impact Retraction Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tow hooks on vehicles are prone to causing damage to themselves and other vehicle components during collisions due to their rigid nature and inability to absorb impact forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A detachable tow hook assembly with a movable tow hook that retracts upon low-energy impacts and detaches from the vehicle frame upon higher-energy impacts, incorporating energy-absorbing members and retention mechanisms to manage force thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the tow hook is made rigid to withstand large towing forces, then the towing strength is improved, but the damage to the tow hook and vehicle components during collisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tow hook is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to transition between rigid and compliant states. The tow hook can withstand large towing forces when needed while deforming or retracting during collisions to reduce damage. This is achieved through elastic deformation capabilities and controlled retraction mechanisms that activate under impact conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the tow hook are made changeable based on loading conditions. The tow hook structure allows for parameter changes in stiffness and strength characteristics, being rigid during normal towing operations but becoming more compliant during collision events. This enables the same component to serve dual purposes without causing damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tow hook is made detachable to reduce damage during collisions, then the damage protection is improved, but the reliability of the towing connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tow hook system is divided into separable components with controlled connection and disconnection points. The detachable design allows the tow hook to remain reliably connected during normal towing while enabling controlled separation during collisions. This segmentation provides both reliability for the intended function and protection against damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable tow hook design incorporates beforehand cushioning by providing a controlled failure mode. The connection is designed to detach at predetermined points under excessive force, preventing greater damage to the vehicle structure. This prior cushioning through controlled detachment protects the overall system while maintaining reliability during normal operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tow hook extends far outward to improve towing functionality, then the towing versatility is improved, but the vulnerability to collision damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tow hook employs dynamic positioning capabilities, extending outward when needed for towing operations and retracting when collision risk is detected or during impact events. This dynamic behavior maintains towing versatility while reducing collision damage vulnerability by minimizing the exposed length during potential impact scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The tow hook utilizes flexible structural elements that allow it to extend and retract while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible design enables the tow hook to achieve the extended position for towing functionality while being able to retract or deform during collisions to reduce vulnerability to damage.
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
Reduces damage to the tow hook and vehicle components by retracting during low-energy collisions and detaching during high-energy collisions, thereby protecting the vehicle structure.
Implementation Method 1
The tow hook is configured to move from the extended position to the retracted position upon application of a force exceeding a first threshold
Implementation Method 2
The housing is configured to disengage from the frame member upon an application of a force exceeding a second threshold greater than the first threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A tow hook assembly is detachably mounted to a frame member of a vehicle. The tow hook assembly includes a housing and a tow hook. The housing has a front wall with a front surface and an aperture formed in the front wall. The tow hook at least partially extends through the aperture and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, in the extend position the tow hook extends farther outward from the housing than in the retracted position. The tow hook is configured to move from the extended position to the retracted position upon application of a force exceeding a first threshold. The housing is configured to disengage from the frame member upon an application of a force exceeding a second threshold greater than the first threshold.