Movable Tow Bar Assembly with Worm Gear Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tow bars often pose challenges in maneuvering trailers, especially when reversing, as the trailer tends to move in the opposite direction of the towing vehicle, leading to reduced safety, increased time, and potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
A movable tow-bar assembly with a C-shaped sleeve and drive motor, allowing the towing attachment to translate along the elongate frame, coupled with a worm gear and sliding member for controlled movement, and a locking arrangement for secure positioning, enabling improved control during towing maneuvers.
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 and control during towing operations deteriorates
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 adjustment allows the towing attachment to move laterally relative to the vehicle centerline, providing improved maneuverability and control during towing operations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the towing attachment is made movable to improve control, then the maneuverability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or electronic actuation systems with a simpler mechanical driving arrangement. The driving arrangement includes a worm gear engaged with a gear segment on the towing attachment, allowing manual or motorized rotation to translate the towing attachment along the frame. This mechanical substitution maintains control functionality while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The towing attachment is designed with a C-shaped member that receives and nests around a section of the elongate frame. This nested configuration allows the towing attachment to slide along the frame while maintaining structural integrity and alignment, providing smooth movement without requiring complex guidance mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the towing attachment can translate along the frame, then the maneuverability during reversing improves, but the reliability and security of connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly includes a fastening arrangement with bolts that can secure the towing attachment to the frame in a locked position. Before critical towing operations, the towing attachment can be preliminarily secured to ensure reliable connection. The opposing lips on the C-shaped member also provide preliminary mechanical retention to prevent accidental detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding member acts as an intermediary between the driving arrangement and the towing attachment. It translates rotational motion from the worm gear into linear motion along the frame, providing controlled and stable movement. This intermediary mechanism ensures smooth, controlled translation while maintaining secure connection through the fastening arrangement.
4Ease of operation
If a hydraulic cylinder is used to move the tow ball, then the maneuverability improves, but the device complexity and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes hydraulic actuation with a mechanical driving arrangement consisting of a worm gear and gear segment. This mechanical system provides sufficient force for moving the towing attachment along the frame while eliminating the complexity of hydraulic pumps, reservoirs, hoses, and control valves. The worm gear's self-locking feature also provides inherent position holding without additional braking mechanisms.
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 maneuverability by allowing precise control over the towing attachment, reducing the likelihood of collisions with the environment or bystanders and improving efficiency during difficult towing situations.
Implementation Method 1
the drive motor transmits power to the sleeve by a worm gear coupled to the sleeve
Data Source
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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.