Low-Clearance Vehicle Towing Platform for Confined Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing technologies face challenges in confined spaces, such as underground parking lots, due to the need for significant free space around the vehicle to be towed, and pose hazards when vehicles catch fire, especially electric vehicles which have a higher tendency to self-ignite, risking chain reactions and structural damage.
Innovation Solution
A towing device with a frame and support surface that can be lowered to accommodate vehicles, equipped with independent lifting means and propulsion systems, allowing for precise positioning and movement of vehicles without damaging the undercarriage, and featuring remote control operation and safety features like image capturing units for navigating in poor conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional towing truck is used to tow away a vehicle, then the vehicle can be removed from the property, but a rather large amount of free space is needed around the vehicle to be towed
Solution Approach 1:
The towing device is divided into separate functional modules: a propulsion unit with drive wheels, a support surface for the vehicle, and independent lifting mechanisms at each corner. This segmentation allows the device to be compact and maneuverable in confined spaces while maintaining full towing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional horizontal towing approaches to a vertical lifting approach. The support surface can be raised vertically to lift the vehicle off the ground, enabling towing in areas with limited horizontal maneuvering space but sufficient vertical clearance.
2Ease of operation
If a towing truck is used in underground parking lots or carpark buildings, then vehicles can be removed, but it is almost impossible due to limitations of free height and confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting height of the support surface is dynamically adjustable through independent lifting mechanisms at each corner. This allows the device to adapt to varying vertical clearances in different parking structures, raising the support surface only as high as needed to clear obstacles while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface and lifting mechanisms are designed to nest within a compact footprint when not in use. The propulsion unit can position itself precisely beneath the vehicle, and the lifting mechanisms fold or retract when not actively lifting, maximizing space efficiency in confined parking environments.
3Reliability
If a towing device with independent lifting means is used, then precise positioning and movement without damaging undercarriage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanisms are positioned at each corner of the support surface rather than using a symmetric central lifting system. This asymmetric distribution provides better stability and control when lifting vehicles of various sizes and weight distributions, while allowing independent adjustment of each corner to accommodate different undercarriage clearances.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically coordinates the independent lifting mechanisms to work together as a unified system. Sensors detect the vehicle position and weight distribution, and the controller adjusts each lifting mechanism accordingly, eliminating the need for complex manual coordination while maintaining precise control and undercarriage protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A towing device 100 for moving a, vehicle from a first location to a second location is described. The towing device, in the orientation intended during use, comprises a frame 2, wherein said frame comprises one or more sets of wheels 4 to be supported on a ground surface 6; —wherein said frame 2 comprises a support surface 8 at an upper portion 10 thereof, wherein said support surface 8 is having an extension in a longitudinal direction (X) and in a transversal direction (Y), which is perpendicular to said longitudinal direction; —wherein said support surface 8 is having a longitudinal front end 12 and a longitudinal rear end 14, wherein said support surface is being configured to be arranged below a vehicle 200 and support said vehicle to be moved; wherein said towing device comprises propulsion means 16 for propelling said towing device; wherein said towing device comprises a control system 18 for controlling the operation of said towing device; wherein said towing device comprises lifting means 20 for raising and lowering said support surface 8 in relation to said ground surface 6.