Retractable Tow Hook for Roll-Off Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk material handling and storage bins face issues with transporting the bin to a site without bulk material shifting, blocking access doors or being discharged, due to interference from rigidly secured tow hooks with the downward displacement of the ramp wall during loading.
Innovation Solution
A retractable tow hook assembly is designed with a support plate and a pivotally connected hook member that moves from an upwardly extending towing position to a non-obstructing retracted position, allowing the ramp wall to pivot from a vertical to an inclined loading position without interference, utilizing gravity or spring bias for automatic displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigidly secured tow hook is used on the storage container, then the towing connection is stable and reliable, but the hook interferes with the downward displacement of the hinged ramp wall toward the inclined loading position
Solution Approach 1:
The tow hook is made dynamically movable relative to the container body through a pivot connection, allowing it to change position between a vertical towing orientation and a retracted position. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the interference with the ramp wall while maintaining secure towing connection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tow hook is positioned in a different spatial dimension by pivoting it outward away from the container body's centerline. This dimensional relocation allows the ramp wall to pass through the original hook position without interference, while the hook remains accessible for towing operations.
2Device complexity
If the tow hook is rigidly connected to the container body, then the structure is simple and robust, but it blocks the path of the ramp wall during downward pivoting motion
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the tow hook and container body is changed from rigid to articulated through a pivot joint. This allows the hook to move dynamically out of the ramp wall's path during operation, resolving the spatial conflict while adding minimal structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the tow hook remains in a fixed upward position, then it is always accessible for towing, but it obstructs the ramp wall when the container is being loaded or unloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The tow hook's position is made dynamic, allowing it to be in the upward accessible position during towing operations and automatically move to a retracted position during loading/unloading operations, thus serving both functions without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The tow hook alternates between two positions: extended upward for towing access and retracted for loading/unloading operations. This periodic positioning ensures that the hook is accessible when needed but does not obstruct material handling operations.
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 retractable tow hook assembly enables smooth transportation and loading of bulk materials by preventing interference with the ramp wall's displacement, ensuring unobstructed access and efficient material handling.
Implementation Method 1
the hook member is spring-biased toward the upwardly extending towing position
Implementation Method 2
the hook member is gravity-biased toward the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable tow hook assembly is connected with a rectangular storage container having a vertical ramp end wall hingedly connected at its bottom edge with the container for displacement about a horizontal pivot axis from an initial vertical closed position downwardly toward an inclined loading position in engagement with the ground. The tow hook assembly includes a support plate that is externally connected with the container adjacent the hinge connection, and a hook member that is displaceable relative to the support plate between an upwardly extending towing position for engagement by the loop of a towing cable when the ramp wall is in the vertical position, and a non-obstructing downwardly-displaced retracted position when the ramp wall is in the downwardly inclined loading position. A stop arrangement prevents displacement of the tow hook member beyond the extended position.