Retrofittable Tow Bar Assembly with Internal Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detachable tow bars for dollies lack the space-saving benefit of biasing the tow bar to an upright position, which is typically achieved by permanently fixed mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A retrofittable tow bar assembly featuring a shaft with a biasing member, such as a spring, that automatically rotates the tow bar to an upright position when not in use, utilizing end plugs for rotational locking and pre-tensioning, allowing for easy coupling with other dollies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable tow bar with quick coupling is used, then modularity is improved, but space-saving capability deteriorates because the tow bar cannot be automatically biased to an upright position
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism is nested within the hollow shaft of the detachable tow bar assembly. The spring is contained inside the shaft, allowing the space-saving biasing mechanism to be integrated into the detachable tow bar without significantly increasing its external dimensions, thus maintaining modularity while achieving automatic upright positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded biasing mechanism automatically returns the detachable tow bar to an upright position when not in use, without requiring manual intervention. This self-service feature enables the detachable tow bar to achieve space-saving capability that was previously only available in permanently fixed designs
2Volume of moving object
If a permanently fixed biasing mechanism is used, then space-saving capability is improved, but modularity deteriorates because the tow bar cannot be easily detached or retrofitted
Solution Approach 1:
The tow bar is divided into separable components including the shaft, biasing mechanism, and coupling elements that can be detached from the dolly. This segmentation allows the biasing mechanism to be integrated into a detachable assembly, enabling both space-saving automatic return and modularity for easy attachment and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable tow bar assembly with integrated biasing mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the space-saving automatic upright return of a permanent mechanism, maintains modularity for easy attachment/detachment, and offers retrofittability to existing dollies through the quick coupling system
3Device complexity
If manual manipulation is required to position the tow bar upright, then ease of operation deteriorates, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded biasing mechanism automatically returns the tow bar to an upright position when not in use, without requiring manual intervention. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual manipulation while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure
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 solution enhances modularity and space-saving capabilities by allowing the tow bar to automatically pivot upright without manual intervention, while aiding in the coupling process, thus improving the usability and efficiency of dolly systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged around the axle and tensioned between the tow bar and the chassis of the dolly. The spring biases the tow bar to rotate it about the fixed axle towards an upright position
Implementation Method 2
The shaft features an inner cavity, which extends along the axis of revolution. The biasing member is arranged into the cavity of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a tow bar assembly, which may be retrofitted to a dolly while maintaining convenient space saving properties of permanently fitted tow bars. The novel tow bar assembly includes a tow bar, a shaft and a biasing member, such as a spring, biasing the tow bar towards an upright orientation about an axis of revolution. The shaft has a first end and a second end, which opposes the first end. The shaft connects the tow bar to the dolly from the ends so as to provide rotation of the tow bar in respect to the dolly about the axis of revolution. The shaft features an inner cavity, which extends along the axis of revolution. The biasing member is arranged into the cavity of the shaft and rotationally secured thereto. The shaft also features a first end plug at the first end of the shaft for enclosing the biasing member to the cavity. The first end plug rotationally locks the biasing member to the dolly.