Tow Bar With Integrated Wiring for Flat Towing EVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting vehicles, such as trailering, incur high costs and operational expenses due to the need for trailers that must support various vehicle weights, and electric vehicles are not compatible with flat towing, limiting their towing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A tow bar system that allows for the safe and efficient flat towing of vehicles by providing a mechanical and electrical connection between towing and towed vehicles, enabling communication for brake and signal control, and allowing for the transfer of power between vehicles, specifically designed for electric vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If trailers are used to transport vehicles, then vehicles can be transported to other locations, but transportation costs and operational expenses increase due to the need for trailers that must support various vehicle weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional trailer-based mechanical transport system with an electric vehicle-assisted towing system. The towed vehicle's electric motor and battery power the towing vehicle, eliminating the need for separate trailers and reducing transportation costs while maintaining the ability to transport vehicles to other locations.
2Loss of energy
If flat towing is used to transport vehicles, then transportation costs are reduced, but electric vehicles are not compatible with flat towing, limiting their towing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal towing system that enables electric vehicles to be both towing and towed vehicles. The system includes a tow bar with electrical connections that allow the towed EV to power the towing vehicle, making the system compatible with electric vehicles while maintaining cost-effective transportation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tow bar system with electrical connections is used, then electric vehicles can be flat towed and power can be transferred between vehicles, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical tow bar function with electrical power transfer and control functions into a single integrated system. The tow bar includes built-in electrical connections that combine mechanical attachment and electrical power/communication pathways, reducing overall system complexity while enabling EV-to-EV power transfer and control.
4Reliability
If safety chains and supplemental braking systems are added to flat towing, then towing safety is improved, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines safety functions (braking, steering control, lighting) into the electrical system integrated within the tow bar. This eliminates the need for separate safety chains and supplemental braking systems, maintaining high towing safety while reducing attachment system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tow bar system for towing a vehicle is described. The system includes a towing vehicle connection member with a first tongue for insertion into a hitch receiver of a towing vehicle. The system also includes a towed vehicle connection member with a second tongue for insertion into a hitch receiver of a towed vehicle. A bar is attached at one end through a first joint to the towing vehicle connection member and is attached at its other end through a second joint to the towed vehicle connection member. At least one of the first and second joints is configured to allow motion in both a horizontal and vertical direction. The system also includes a wiring harness held on the tow bar, having a forward connector adapted to connect to wires in the towing vehicle and a rearward connector adapted to connect to wires in the towed vehicle.