Pivoting Towing Hook for Tilting Vehicle Ramp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with tilting rear access ramps, especially armored fighting vehicles, face challenges in integrating a towing hook due to interference and mechanical limitations, requiring removable hooks that complicate operations and restrict ramp movement.
Innovation Solution
A towing device with a pivotally mounted hook support using a toggle joint system, where the hook is integral with a support block that pivots with the ramp, allowing operation without assembly or disassembly, ensuring the ramp remains operational and mechanical forces are transmitted effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed hook is attached below the ramp, then the towing device is stable and can bear heavy loads, but the ramp cannot open due to interference with the hook
Solution Approach 1:
The support block is made pivotally mountable relative to the vehicle body at a pivot axis coaxial with the ramp axis. This dynamic configuration allows the support block to rotate along with the ramp during opening/closing operations, eliminating interference between the hook and ramp while maintaining structural integrity for heavy towing loads
2Ease of operation
If a removable hook is used, then the ramp can open without interference, but the operation becomes time-consuming and complex due to assembly/disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotally mounted support block eliminates the need for assembly/disassembly operations. The entire support block rotates with the ramp, allowing the towing device to remain permanently installed while fully accommodating ramp operations, thus saving significant time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support block integrates the hook, pivot mechanism, and toggle joint system into a single unified structure that moves as one unit with the ramp. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate assembly/disassembly of the hook while maintaining all necessary functions
3Ease of operation
If the hook is attached to the ramp itself, then the ramp can move freely, but the mechanical force that can pass through is limited and the ramp may deform or detach
Solution Approach 1:
The support block is pivotally mounted at an axis coaxial with the ramp axis, allowing it to rotate synchronously with the ramp. This dynamic attachment maintains the ramp's full range of motion while the robust block structure and toggle joint system distribute and bear heavy towing forces, preventing ramp deformation or detachment
Solution Approach 2:
The support block acts as an intermediary between the hook and the ramp. It provides a strong mounting point for the hook while its pivotal connection to the ramp allows free movement. The toggle joint system further mediates force transmission, ensuring that heavy loads are borne by the strong block and hinge mechanisms rather than the ramp structure itself
4Strength
If the upper arms are fixed to the body, then the towing device can bear heavy loads, but the ramp is condemned and cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixing the support block to the vehicle body, it is pivotally mounted at an axis coaxial with the ramp axis. This dynamic configuration allows the support block to rotate along with the ramp, enabling both heavy towing capacity through the robust block structure and full ramp usability through synchronized rotation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a towing device (2) for a vehicle equipped with a tilting rear ramp (3). The towing device (2) comprises a hook (6) integral with a support (7) which is pivotally mounted relative to the vehicle body (4). The support (7) is connected to the body via at least one knee joint (14) formed by two connecting rods (14a, 14b) articulated with each other, the axes (15, 16, 18) of the knee joint being all parallel to the pivot axis (8) of the support (7), the connecting rods forming an angle (α) of less than 180° with each other when the ramp is closed, the opening of the ramp causing, via a control mechanism (13), an opening of the knee joint (14) with a connecting rod angle greater than 180°. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such a towing device.