Hinged Dual-Hook Assembly for One-Handed Closed-End Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hooks require two-handed operation or manual intervention to attach and secure lines or tools to objects, and tend to disengage when load forces vary, making them unsuitable for one-handed operation or unmanned platforms, especially on objects with closed ends.
Innovation Solution
A Modular Unmanned Line/Tool Emplacement (MULE) hook assembly featuring two mirror-imaged hooks with perpendicular extensions, a hinge, and a resilient member that biases the hooks to maintain an open position, allowing secure attachment and detachment with one hand or by unmanned platforms to various objects, including those with closed ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single static hook is used for attachment, then the hook can be simple in structure, but it requires two hands to secure and tends to slide or slip off the object
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is divided into two separate hook members (first hook member and second hook member) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows one hook member to engage the object while the other provides securing action, enabling one-handed operation without requiring a complex integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The hook members are made dynamic through the hinge connection, allowing them to move between open and closed positions. The resilient member provides dynamic biasing force to maintain the hooks in an open position until engagement occurs, enabling automatic securing action after one-handed placement
2Device complexity
If a static hook is used to attach to an object, then the attachment structure is simple, but the hook tends to disengage when load forces vary greatly or go to zero
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic configuration of the two hook members connected by a hinge allows the assembly to adapt to varying load conditions. When load forces change, the hooks can adjust their relative positions while maintaining engagement, preventing disengagement that would occur with a rigid static hook
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member provides self-service by automatically biasing the hooks to maintain engagement stability. The resilient member continuously exerts force to keep the hooks in an open position ready for engagement, and the dynamic hinge connection allows automatic adjustment to maintain secure attachment under varying loads without external intervention
3Device complexity
If a traditional hook is used for attachment, then the design is simple, but it cannot attach to objects with closed ends that prohibit placement from an open end
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the hook on an object from the open end, the MULE hook assembly can be inverted and placed onto the object from the closed end. The two hook members open outward, allowing the assembly to be positioned on closed-end objects and then secured by closing the hooks around the object
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation into two separate hook members allows the assembly to approach and engage objects from different directions. The hooks can be positioned to wrap around objects with closed ends, enabling attachment to a wider variety of object geometries including those that would be inaccessible to traditional single hooks
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
Enables secure, one-handed or unmanned attachment and detachment of tools or lines to objects, maintaining engagement even under varying load conditions, and accommodating symmetrical and non-symmetrical objects with closed ends.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member exerts a constant force at the hinge to bias the first hook and the second hook toward an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A hook assembly includes a first hook having a first open end and a second hook having a second open end. The first hook is parallel to the second hook where the first open end is adjacent to the second open end. Extensions extend from each of the first hook and the second hook. The extensions extend perpendicular to a hook plane of the first hook and the second hook members. The first hook is a mirror image of the second hook. A hinge connects the first hook to the second hook. The hinge is located at an opposite end of the hook from where the extensions are located. A resilient member exerts a constant force at the hinge to bias the first hook and the second hook toward an open position.