Automatic Vertically Extractable Tow Hook with Anti-Rotation Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tow hooks for vehicles suffer from aesthetic and safety issues due to permanent protrusion, mechanical play, and lack of secure locking mechanisms, leading to potential damage and injury during parking maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
An automatic vertically extractable tow hook featuring a tapered catch with an anti-rotation mechanism and a locking roller driven by a spring, combined with a key-operated safety closure mechanism, providing a secure and concealed connection between the ball and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed tow hook is used, then the connection is permanent and secure, but the aesthetic appearance is degraded and safety function of the rear bumper is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tow hook transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic removable state. The ball can be automatically inserted and locked into the support, or removed when not needed, allowing the system to adapt between providing permanent security and maintaining aesthetic appearance/safety function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manual mechanical fastening is used, then the ball can be detached, but mechanical play and rotation occur due to wear and treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: the ball with tapered catch, the support with locking roller, and the spring mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to eliminate play through the tapered geometry and automatic locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered catch changes the geometric parameters of the connection interface. As the ball is inserted, the taper transforms the fitting parameters, creating a progressively tighter fit that eliminates mechanical play and prevents rotation, while still allowing for automatic insertion and removal.
3Reliability
If a bayonet-type hook is used, then the connection is improved, but play still increases over time and no locks or safety mechanisms are present
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded to automatically drive the locking roller into engagement with the tapered catch as soon as the ball is inserted. This preliminary action ensures that the locking mechanism engages before any significant movement or play can develop, maintaining precision over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own insertion motion to trigger the locking action. As the ball is pushed into the support, the tapered catch automatically actuates the needle and spring mechanism, which in turn drives the locking roller to engage and secure the connection without requiring separate locking steps.
4Extent of automation
If an automatic locking wedge is used, then the ball is automatically embedded, but it remains visible and prone to tilt and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered catch introduces asymmetric geometry to the connection interface. This asymmetry prevents rotation by ensuring that the ball can only be inserted in the correct orientation, with the taper guiding the ball into proper alignment and the locking roller securing it against rotational forces.
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
Ensures a precise, play-free connection, enhanced safety, reduced production costs, and increased durability by eliminating the need for welding, while providing an efficient anti-theft mechanism and minimizing wear, thus preventing damage and injury.
Implementation Method 1
a locking roller that is inserted in a suitable housing in the conical catch driven by a pin and a spring
Implementation Method 2
a tapered catch... that is introduced into a support attached to the vehicle, being locked in place automatically
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Automatic vertically extractable tow hook of the type used in motor cars or light industrial vehicles for hooking on to trailers, characterised in that it is formed by a vertically extractable ball (1) with a tapered catch (3), provided with an anti-rotation mechanism, that is introduced into a support (2) attached to the vehicle, being locked in place automatically by a locking roller (20) that is inserted in a suitable housing in the conical catch driven by a pin (9) and a spring (22) released by a needle driven by the conical catch (3) itself, it also having a release lever (15) provided with a second safety closure mechanism (8) with a key (10). The present invention provides the main advantage of enabling a perfect fit between the ball and the support, free of play leading to looseness, with locking mechanisms that are fully incorporated into the support and which cannot be seen by the user when the ball is dismantled.