Vehicle Restraining Hook with Inverted Pivot Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle trailer restraining systems face issues with the hook disengaging due to inertial accelerations and torque from vertical motion, leading to unsafe situations when the hook is at its lowest capture point, potentially causing injuries and property damage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle restraining hook system with a shank and hook bend configuration that includes primary, secondary, and tertiary bends, along with a smooth tip, which generates a resultant force normal to the inner hook surface, creating a torque in the engaging direction to maintain the hook's position and prevent disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the hook is made from thick, heavy steel and pivots about an axis orthogonal to vertical motion, then the hook has sufficient strength to withstand vertical accelerations, but the inertial accelerations from vertical motion can still rotate the hook towards the disengaged position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional hook design by positioning the pivot axis above the engagement point rather than below it. This inversion changes the direction of the torque generated by vertical accelerations, so that instead of rotating the hook toward disengagement, the torque now rotates the hook toward engagement, automatically correcting for vertical motion effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the hook, specifically the position of the pivot axis relative to the engagement point. By moving the pivot axis to a different location (above rather than below the engagement point), the patent alters the mechanical leverage and torque direction to prevent disengagement during vertical motion
2Reliability
If the hook is pulled to its lowest reliable capture point, then the hook can capture the RIG bar, but any further lowering due to vertical motion can cause an unsafe situation
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the hook orientation with the pivot axis above the engagement point, the patent ensures that vertical motion which previously caused downward rotation toward disengagement now causes upward rotation toward engagement, eliminating the risk of the hook falling to an unsafe position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the hook geometry and pivot position to preemptively counteract the harmful rotational effect of vertical accelerations. The configuration ensures that before vertical motion can cause disengagement, the torque generated by the inverted geometry already acts to maintain or improve engagement
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
The system effectively reduces the likelihood of hook disengagement during vertical motion, ensuring the trailer remains securely restrained and preventing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The orientation of the resultant force creates a resultant torque about the axle interface in the engaging direction
Implementation Method 2
The hook, which pivots about an axis orthogonal to the vertical motion and is generally made from relatively thick, heavy steel, is also subject to inertial accelerations from the vertical motion of the restraint via the trailer
Implementation Method 3
The carriage is slidably engaged with the track of the vertical member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a vehicle restraining hook. The hook includes a shank extending between an axle interface and a hook bend. The hook bend comprises an inner hook surface extending between the shank and a hook tip. The inner hook surface comprises at least a primary bend and a secondary bend, and in some cases a tertiary bend. Each of the primary bend and secondary bend comprises two planar surfaces, while the tertiary bend comprises a curved surface. These surfaces interact with a RIG bar to generate a force rotating the hook up and ensuring that it maintains contact with the RIG bar.