Flexible Tow Hook Assembly for Collision Damage Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rigid tow hooks mounted on vehicles can cause damage to vehicle parts during towing and collisions.

Innovation Solution

A tow hook assembly featuring a flexible attachment cord that is coupled to the vehicle frame and extends through a channel in the front bumper, allowing for movement during impacts to minimize damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid tow hook is used to withstand large towing forces, then the strength and reliability are improved, but damage to vehicle parts during collisions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetow hook strengthVSAvoiddamage to vehicle parts

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the tow hook assembly movable rather than fixed. The assembly can move forward along the bumper and rotate about the bumper, transforming from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that adapts during collisions, thereby reducing damage to vehicle parts while maintaining towing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the tow hook assembly by using a resilient member that allows the assembly to deform and absorb impact forces. This parameter change enables the system to transition between rigid towing mode and flexible impact absorption mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a rigid tow hook is mounted to remain secured during towing, then the reliability is improved, but interference with crushing structures during collisions occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetow hook securityVSAvoidinterference with crushing structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tow hook assembly is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to shift position and orientation during collisions. This prevents the assembly from interfering with crushing structures while maintaining secure attachment to the vehicle frame through the resilient member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the tow hook is positioned to extend through the front bumper, then the ease of operation for towing is improved, but damage to the front bumper increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetowing accessibilityVSAvoiddamage to front bumper

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly can move forward along the bumper channel and rotate, allowing it to maintain optimal towing positioning while absorbing impact forces during collisions. This dynamic positioning preserves bumper integrity while ensuring ease of operation for towing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 flexible attachment cord reduces damage to vehicle components during collisions and towing by absorbing impact forces and retracting to prevent interference with crushing structures.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible attachment cord reduces damage to vehicle components during collisions and towing by absorbing impact forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12515485B2Cable tow hook assemblies and vehicles including same

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A vehicle including a vehicle frame, a front bumper, and a tow hook assembly. The vehicle frame has an open interior. The front bumper includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a channel extending between the front surface and the rear surface. The tow hook assembly includes an attachment cord coupled to the vehicle frame and extends through the channel of the front bumper.