Rotating Yoke Vehicle Towing Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle towing devices require extensive construction to create large underground spaces, leading to high manufacturing and operational costs, and lack flexibility and efficiency in disassembly and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle towing device with a rotating yoke system, comprising front and rear yokes connected to yoke shafts, a towing mechanism, and a control unit, allowing for horizontal rotation and flexible operation on a towing path with parallel rails, enabling efficient towing without the need for extensive underground construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a one-way circulation mode with underground portion is used, then the towing device can push the towed vehicle, but the construction cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction costVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a conventional one-way circulation mode where the push member returns through an underground portion, this invention inverts the approach by using a rotating yoke system where the towing mechanism rotates 180 degrees to return the yokes to their initial position. This eliminates the need for complex underground constructions while maintaining the towing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a dynamic rotating yoke system where the front and rear yokes can rotate horizontally around vertical shafts. This dynamic mechanism allows the yokes to change orientation from perpendicular to parallel to the towing path, enabling both towing and return movements without fixed underground structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a one-way circulation mode with underground portion is used, then the towing device can push the towed vehicle, but the flexibility and assembly efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The towing device is segmented into independent modular components including the towing mechanism, front yoke assembly, rear yoke assembly, and control system. Each module can be assembled and disassembled independently, greatly improving assembly efficiency and flexibility for different deployment scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating yoke mechanism provides operational flexibility by allowing the yokes to rotate between perpendicular and parallel positions relative to the towing path. This dynamic adjustment enables the device to adapt to different towing scenarios and facilitates easier assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the yokes rotate horizontally around vertical shafts, then the towing operation becomes more flexible, but the mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidmechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating yoke system serves multiple functions: it enables the yokes to approach vehicle wheels perpendicularly for effective towing, rotates to parallel position for return movement, and can be controlled to adjust to different vehicle positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for different operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the mechanical components, coordinating the rotation of front and rear yokes, the movement of the towing mechanism, and the engagement/disengagement of clamping devices. This centralized control simplifies the overall system complexity by providing automated coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3284620B1Vehicle traction device and vehicle traction method
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3284620B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3284620B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP3284620B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~5B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a vehicle towing device and a vehicle towing method thereof, wherein the vehicle towing device of the present invention comprises a front yoke (1), a rear yoke (3), a front yoke shaft (2) ,a rear yoke shaft (4), a towing mechanism (5), a control unit, a drive unit and a towing path (7), the front yoke (1) and the rear yoke (3) are respectively connected to the front yoke shaft (2) and rear yoke shaft (4), and can rotate horizontally around the front yoke shaft and the rear yoke shaft under the control of the control unit, respectively, the front yoke shaft (2) and the rear yoke shaft (4) are connected to the towing mechanism (5) in tandem, the drive unit drives the towing mechanism (5) to run in the towing path (7), and the axial directions of both the front yoke shaft (2) and the rear yoke shaft (4) are perpendicular to a surface of the towing mechanism (5). The vehicle towing device and the vehicle towing method can reduce the amount of construction work and increase the efficiency of vehicle towing, and enable installation and operation more flexible (Fig.2B).