Movable Tow Hook Locking Control for Collision Damage Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tow hooks on vehicles can cause further damage to internal components and barriers during collisions due to contact during towing.
Innovation Solution
A tow hook assembly with a locking mechanism and contact sensor that allows the tow hook to move between extended and retracted positions based on detected conditions, controlled by an electronic control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tow hook remains fixed in an extended position to maintain towing capability, then the towing function is preserved, but damage to vehicle components and barriers occurs during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The tow hook is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions rather than fixed. The electronic control unit activates the locking mechanism to retract the tow hook upon detecting a collision, transforming it from a static structure to a dynamic one that can adapt its position based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The collision sensor provides feedback to the electronic control unit about collision conditions. This feedback loop enables the system to detect when a collision occurs and automatically respond by retracting the tow hook, preventing further damage while maintaining towing functionality when no collision is present.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tow hook is made movable to reduce collision damage, then damage to components and barriers is reduced, but the complexity of the towing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the motor and the tow hook, providing a simple mechanical interface that converts rotational motion into linear movement. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture by separating the actuation function from the towing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing electrical system to power the motor and electronic control unit, and the collision sensor leverages the vehicle's existing sensor network. This self-service approach minimizes additional complexity by integrating with rather than adding to the vehicle's existing systems.
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
Reduces damage to vehicle components and barriers by minimizing contact during collisions through controlled movement of the tow hook.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor detects a force applied to the tow hook in a rearward vertical longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a frame member and a tow hook assembly coupled to the frame member. The tow hook assembly includes a tow hook positionable between a first position and a second position, and a locking mechanism operable between a locked position and an unlocked position to permit the tow hook to move into the second position. The vehicle further includes a contact sensor and an electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the tow hook assembly and the sensor, the electronic control unit configured to operate the locking mechanism into the unlocked position to permit the tow hook to be positioned into the second position upon the sensor detecting that a predetermined condition is satisfied.