Tow bar with segmented open and closed cross-sections

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawbars lack enhanced functionality without compromising strength, and there is a need for increased accessibility and versatility in their design for storage and maintenance purposes.

Innovation Solution

A drawbar design featuring a combination of open and closed cross-sections along its length, with the open section closer to the coupling end for easier access and storage, and a modular construction allowing for interchangeable components, including a second drawbar body component with an open cross-section for storage and a first component with a closed cross-section for attachment to the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a closed cross-section is used throughout the drawbar, then structural strength is maintained, but accessibility to the interior for storage and maintenance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to drawbar interiorVSAvoiddrawbar structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The drawbar is divided into multiple sections along its longitudinal axis, with each section having a different cross-sectional configuration (closed or open). This segmentation allows the drawbar to simultaneously maintain structural integrity in closed sections and provide accessibility in open sections, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different cross-sectional qualities (closed vs. open) are applied to different longitudinal locations of the drawbar. The closed cross-sections are positioned where structural strength is critical, while open cross-sections are positioned where accessibility and storage functionality are prioritized, allowing each part to have the optimal quality for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If an open cross-section is used throughout the drawbar, then accessibility and storage functionality are improved, but structural strength is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage functionalityVSAvoiddrawbar structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The drawbar is divided into multiple sections along its longitudinal axis, with each section having a different cross-sectional configuration (closed or open). This segmentation allows the drawbar to simultaneously maintain structural integrity in closed sections and provide accessibility in open sections, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different cross-sectional qualities (closed vs. open) are applied to different longitudinal locations of the drawbar. The closed cross-sections are positioned where structural strength is critical, while open cross-sections are positioned where accessibility and storage functionality are prioritized, allowing each part to have the optimal quality for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the drawbar is constructed as a single piece, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability for different coupling standards is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with coupling standardsVSAvoiddrawbar construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drawbar is divided into a first drawbar body component and a second drawbar body component that can be connected together. The first component includes a coupling element for attachment to towing vehicles, while the second component can be configured with different cross-sections for storage or attachment functions. This segmentation enables adaptability for different coupling standards while managing construction complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drawbar is designed with multi-functional components that can serve different purposes. The first drawbar body component with the coupling element can be combined with a second component that provides either storage (open cross-section) or additional attachment capability (closed cross-section), making the drawbar adaptable to different regional coupling standards and functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3390120B1Tow bar havig a partially open tow bar cross-section

Publication Date: 2020.09.30 JOST WERKE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a tow bar (1026) for a trailer vehicle, having a coupling long end and a vehicle long end axially opposite the coupling long end along a tow bar longitudinal axis (DL) defining a tow bar longitudinal direction, which tow bar has at the coupling long end thereof a coupling member (1020), in particular a towing eye (1020), which is designed to produce a coupling connection to a coupling component on the tractor vehicle side, wherein the tow bar (1026) is designed on the vehicle long end thereof for connection to a vehicle body of a trailer vehicle and wherein a tow bar body (1027) extends between the long ends of the tow bar (1026). According to the invention, the tow bar body (1027) has, in a tow bar portion (1142) nearer to the coupling long end, an orthogonal cross-section which is open with respect to the tow bar longitudinal direction (DL), and, in a tow bar portion (1140) nearer to the vehicle long end, an orthogonal cross-section which is closed with respect to the two bar longitudinal direction (DL).