Movable Tow Bar Assembly with Translational Towing Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tow bars often pose challenges in maneuverability, particularly when reversing, as the trailer tends to move in the opposite direction of the vehicle, leading to safety issues, increased time, frustration, and potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
A movable tow-bar assembly with a C-shaped sleeve and drive motor mechanism that allows the towing attachment to translate along the elongate frame, providing additional control and maneuverability through translational movement, and an actuator that moves the towing attachment relative to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard fixed tow bar is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the maneuverability is poor and control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tow bar assembly incorporates a movable towing attachment that can translate along the elongate frame from a retracted position to an extended position. This dynamic configuration allows the towing attachment to move relative to the vehicle, providing improved maneuverability and control during towing operations, particularly when reversing
Solution Approach 2:
The tow bar assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a fixed elongate frame attached to the vehicle, a movable towing attachment, and a driving arrangement positioned between them. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables the towing attachment to be positioned independently from the vehicle body
2Ease of operation
If the towing attachment is moved closer to the vehicle, then the control and maneuverability are improved, but the towing capacity and stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The towing attachment can dynamically adjust its position along the elongate frame, allowing it to be moved closer to the vehicle for improved control during maneuvering, and then retracted to a longer extension for enhanced towing stability and capacity when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of the towing attachment position along the frame, enabling adjustment between a retracted position (for control) and an extended position (for stability and capacity), thereby optimizing performance for different operational requirements
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
Enhances safety and convenience during difficult towing maneuvers by allowing precise control over the trailer's movement, reducing the likelihood of collisions and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the drive motor transmits power to the sleeve by a worm gear coupled to the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
a sliding member positioned in a hollow elongate slot extending along the length of the elongate frame
Data Source
AI summary
A movable tow-bar assembly comprising: an elongate frame configured to be attached to a vehicle; a towing attachment comprising a sleeve that is shaped to receive a section of the elongate frame and allow translation of the towing attachment along a length of the frame; and a driving arrangement coupled with the towing attachment and the frame for effecting translational movement of the towing attachment along the length of the frame.