Pivoting Tow Hook for Secure Tether Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tow adapters for securing devices to towing vehicles are not flexible and do not allow for secure attachment of tethers, often requiring tethers to be tied or otherwise attached, and lack the ability to accommodate multiple attachment points.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting tow hook system with a bracket, a loop, and a pivotable hook that allows tethers to be threaded through the loop and attached to the hook, enabling secure attachment and flexible use of single or multiple attachment points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed attachment point is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate because the tether cannot be securely attached without tying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the hook pivotable relative to the loop, allowing the attachment structure to change its configuration dynamically. The hook can rotate between a first position (engaging the loop for dual-point attachment) and a second position (disengaged for single-point attachment), enabling the system to adapt to different towing scenarios without increasing structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple attachment points are provided, then the adaptability improves, but the ease of operation worsens due to the complexity of securing the tether
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the loop as an intermediary element between the tether and the hook. The loop provides a secure engagement point that works with the hook to create a reliable dual-point attachment system. When the hook is in the first position, it engages the loop to form a secure connection that prevents accidental detachment, while still allowing relatively easy attachment and detachment operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed rigid structure is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the structure cannot accommodate different attachment configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pivot mechanism that allows the hook to rotate between different positions. This dynamic element is integrated into an otherwise simple rigid structure consisting of a bracket, loop, and hook. The pivot enables the system to accommodate different attachment configurations (dual-point or single-point) without requiring complex manufacturing processes or multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a tow adapter for coupling a device to be towed to a towing vehicle. The tow adapter includes a bracket adapted to be attached to the towing vehicle, a loop suitable to support a tether to enable the towing vehicle to tow the device to be towed, the loop having a first end and a second end portion each mounted to the bracket about a pivot such that the loop pivots relative to the bracket, the bracket including stops extending outwardly there from which limit an extent of travel of the loop about the pivot when the loop makes contact with the stops, and a hook mounted to the bracket and at least a portion of the hook capable of being disposed centrally within the loop. The tether may be threaded through the loop and attached to the hook to enable the towing vehicle to tow the device to be towed.