Modular Wide Body Tow Strap Link with Articulating Shackles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical connecting links for tow straps and pintle hitches face challenges in balancing the need for structural integrity under heavy loads with the requirement for quick release functionality and entanglement avoidance, often compromising on one aspect to enhance another.
Innovation Solution
A modular, 'wide body' shackle style mechanical connecting link with a quick release pin and articulating shackles, featuring flared outer sides and smooth, rounded contours to prevent entanglement, along with a snap ring and retention cable for secure engagement and disengagement, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly even under taut conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If components are rigidly secured via press fit or threaded screw to prevent structural failure under heavy loads, then strength and reliability are improved, but quick release functionality and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connecting link is divided into separate modular components (first articulating shackle, second articulating shackle, and quick release pin) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The quick release pin acts as a separate segment that secures the two shackles together during operation but can be quickly removed for disassembly, resolving the contradiction between rigid connection for strength and easy separation for quick release functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses articulating shackles with pivot points that allow dynamic adjustment of angles and positions during operation to accommodate various tow strap configurations. The quick release pin provides a dynamic securing mechanism that maintains rigid connection during use but allows rapid disconnection when needed, enabling the system to transition between rigid and flexible states as required
2Adaptability or versatility
If differently structured connector components are used to complement various tow strap positions and angles, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second articulating shackles are designed with asymmetric features - the first shackle has a first articulating surface while the second has a second articulating surface oriented differently to accommodate tow straps at various angles and positions. This asymmetric design provides adaptability for different towing configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that does not significantly increase manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The modular articulating shackle design serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection, allows angular adjustment for various tow strap positions, accommodates different loading scenarios, and enables quick release. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability without requiring multiple different component types, thus avoiding excessive manufacturing complexity
3Reliability
If flared outer sides and smooth contours are added to prevent entanglement and abrasion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The flared outer sides and smooth rounded contours are applied locally to specific surfaces of the articulating shackles where contact with tow straps occurs. This localized application of special surface features prevents entanglement and abrasion at critical contact points without adding complex structural elements throughout the entire component, thus improving reliability while minimizing increases in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical connecting link for tow straps and pintle hitches configured to quickly and easily disassemble even during complex pulling scenarios. The mechanical connecting link also is configured to retain its structural integrity even during heavy loads. The mechanical connecting link has at least two modular “wide body” connector components on which looped tow straps may engage. The modular “wide body” connector component configured to keep the bend radius of any engaged tow strap large enough to prevent abrasion and to resist damage to the tow strap loop during pulling scenarios.