Tow Bar Latch Assembly with Rotating Sear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delta-type tow bar apparatuses struggle to accommodate rotational movement between towing and towed vehicles without binding or failing, as existing designs do not allow for individual rotation of tow bar elements when latched in an extended configuration.
Innovation Solution
A tow bar design featuring telescopically engaged bar elements with a latch assembly that enables rotation between the elements while maintaining a secure latch, allowing for easy transition between extended and collapsed configurations, and accommodating rotational movements without binding or failing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch assembly is used to secure the tow bar in an extended configuration, then the tow bar can maintain its towing position, but the tow bar elements cannot rotate to accommodate rotational movement between vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The locking sear is designed to be movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, allowing the system to transition between static (latched) and dynamic (rotatable) states. This enables the tow bar to be secure during towing but adaptable when rotation is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the locking sear to alter the functional state of the tow bar. When the sear is in the locking position, rotation is prevented; when moved to the unlocking position, rotation is enabled. This parameter change allows the system to resolve the contradiction between security and adaptability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the locking sear is held firmly in the locking position, then the tow bar elements are securely locked, but rotation is prevented even when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element provides dynamic control over the locking sear's position. It can maintain the sear in the locking position for stability during towing, or move it to the unlocking position to enable rotation, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch element acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the locking sear. By moving the latch element, the user can control whether the locking sear engages or disengages from the latch stop, providing controlled transition between locked and rotatable states.
3Ease of operation
If the latch mechanism is simple to operate, then ease of use is improved, but secure latching during rotation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element automatically maintains the latch element in the braced position, ensuring the locking sear remains engaged without requiring continuous user intervention. This self-servicing mechanism ensures secure latching while keeping the operation simple when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element replaces complex mechanical retention mechanisms with a simpler spring-based system that automatically ensures the latch remains engaged. This substitution maintains security while simplifying the overall mechanism and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A tow bar has first and second bar elements telescopically engaged to slide between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. A latch housing mounted on the second bar element pivotally mounts a latch element. A locking sear having a sear locking surface and a sear back surface is pivotally mounted to move between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, a sear locking surface abuts a latch stop of the first bar element to lock the first and second bar elements in the extended configuration. In the unlocking position, the sear locking surface disengages the latch stop, allowing the first and second bar elements to move to the collapsed configuration.