Rotating Tensile Restraint Coupling for Towing Load Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle towing systems rely on chains or cables for secondary connections, which can fail under significant loads, leading to separation of trailers and vehicles, posing risks to people and infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device that interconnects a tensile restraint member and a structural component, featuring a body supported from the structural component and a linkage with a proximal end rotatably coupled to the body, allowing for rotational displacement and maintaining a close fit throughout the range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chains or cables are used for secondary connections in vehicle towing, then the connection can provide basic restraint, but the connection may fail under significant loads leading to separation of vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linkage mechanism with rotational joints that allows the coupling device to adapt its configuration under load. The linkage includes at least one rotatable joint enabling the distal end to rotate relative to the proximal end, creating a dynamic structure that can distribute and accommodate significant forces while maintaining connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional components: a proximal end for attachment to the first vehicle, a distal end for attachment to the second vehicle, and intermediate linkage elements with rotational joints. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions and enables the overall structure to better handle complex loading conditions.
2Strength
If a rigid coupling device is used to maintain close fit, then connection strength is improved, but adaptability to rotational movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage incorporates rotational joints that enable the distal end to rotate relative to the proximal end about an axis. This dynamic capability allows the coupling device to maintain structural strength while adapting to rotational movements and changes in relative positioning between vehicles during towing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device changes its geometric parameters through controlled rotation at the joints. The axis of rotation and the range of motion are designed to accommodate varying operational conditions while maintaining connection integrity, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration without compromising strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the linkage allows rotational displacement, then adaptability is improved, but maintaining a close fit throughout motion becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational joints are designed with precise manufacturing tolerances and geometric relationships that maintain a close fit between mating surfaces throughout the range of motion. The axis of rotation is positioned and oriented to ensure continuous contact and proper alignment of the linkage components during rotational displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage geometry is designed with asymmetric features that compensate for the rotational movement. The proximal and distal ends have complementary shapes and positioning that ensure a close fit is maintained throughout the rotational range, with specific attention to the orientation and location of attachment points.
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
Enhances the reliability of secondary connections by allowing for rotational displacement and maintaining a close fit between the coupling device and the tensile restraint member, reducing the risk of failure and ensuring safety in vehicle towing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a linkage having: a proximal end adapted to be rotatably coupled to the body such that the linkage or proximal end is rotationally displaceable relative to the body about a transverse axis
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for interconnecting a tensile restraint member and a structural component, the coupling device including: a body adapted to be supported from the structural component; and a linkage having: a proximal end adapted to be rotatably coupled to the body such that the linkage or proximal end is rotationally displaceable relative to the body about a transverse axis; and a distal end configured such that said tensile restraint member is connectable thereto.