Retractable Tow Hook Assembly for Collision Damage Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tow hooks can cause further damage to vehicle components and obstacles during collisions by applying force in a direction opposite the towing direction.
Innovation Solution
A movable tow hook assembly with a housing and a biasing member that prohibits movement from an extended position to a retracted position until a predetermined force threshold is exceeded, reducing damage by allowing the hook to retract when excessive force is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tow hook is fixed to the vehicle, then the tow hook remains securely attached during towing operations, but the tow hook contacts obstacles and applies force in a direction opposite the towing direction causing damage to vehicle components and obstacles during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The tow hook is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically respond to applied forces. The biasing member enables the tow hook to move between extended and retracted positions based on the magnitude of force applied, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different operational conditions including collision scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is pre-configured to exert a restraining force that prevents the tow hook from moving in the direction that would cause damage during collision. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the harmful force before significant damage can occur to vehicle components and obstacles
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tow hook allows free movement, then the tow hook reduces damage during collision by retracting, but the tow hook may detach or become unreliable during normal towing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of force magnitude to control tow hook position. Under normal towing conditions, the force is insufficient to overcome the biasing member's restraining force, maintaining a secure extended position. During collision, when force exceeds the threshold, the parameter change allows movement to the retracted position, reducing damage
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 assembly minimizes damage to vehicle components and obstacles by allowing the tow hook to retract under high impact forces, thereby reducing the risk of additional collision damage.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to prohibit movement of the tow hook from the extended position to the retracted position until a force exceeding a predetermined force threshold in a direction opposite a towing direction is applied against a front end of the tow hook
Data Source
AI summary
A tow hook assembly including a housing having an aperture formed in a front wall of the housing, a tow hook at least partially extending through the aperture and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and a biasing member configured to prohibit movement of the tow hook from the extended position to the retracted position until a force exceeding a predetermined force threshold in a direction opposite a towing direction is applied against a front end of the tow hook.