Tow Device With Pivot Legs For Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for item delivery has led to challenges in efficiently towing and hitching large quantities of item containers behind vehicles, including damage risks to containers and reduced vehicle and operator efficiency due to inappropriate tow devices.
Innovation Solution
A tow device with a main body, pivot legs, and a handle, featuring adjustable positioning apertures and locking members, allowing for secure and efficient hitching and towing of multiple containers, with the ability to rotate for compact storage and easy replacement of pivot legs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid tow devices are used, then structural strength is maintained, but adaptability to different container configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tow device incorporates pivot legs that can rotate relative to the main body, allowing the device to dynamically adjust its configuration. The pivot legs can pivot between multiple positions to accommodate different container arrangements, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptable system while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tow device is divided into separable components including the main body, multiple pivot legs, and locking members. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and locked, providing adaptability while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pivot legs are made movable for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot legs are designed to be movable during positioning but stable during operation. The locking members engage with positioning apertures to freeze the pivot legs in desired positions, creating a dynamic system that transitions from mobile (during setup) to stable (during towing) based on operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning apertures are pre-positioned at specific locations along the pivot legs to define predetermined stable positions. Before the towing operation begins, the pivot legs are manually positioned and locked into these pre-defined stable configurations, ensuring structural stability is established in advance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple positioning options are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into discrete positioning apertures and corresponding locking members. Each aperture-locking member pair provides an independent positioning option, allowing multiple positions to be achieved through simple discrete elements rather than continuous adjustment mechanisms, thereby managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed to universally engage with any of the positioning apertures on any pivot leg. This universal compatibility means the same locking mechanism design can be reused across multiple positions and legs, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity through repeated unique components.
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 tow device enables secure, efficient, and flexible towing of multiple containers, reducing damage risks and improving vehicle and operator efficiency, while allowing for compact storage and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A first end of each of the first and second pivot legs can be rotatably coupled to the main body. Each of the plurality of legs can include a longitudinal portion extending from the first end of each of the plurality of legs to a second end of each of the plurality of legs.
Implementation Method 2
Each joint can be rotatably coupled to the main body by a clevis pin and a cotter pin.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to systems and methods of towing, hitching, and connecting devices. In particular, this disclosure relates to tow devices, hitches, and connections for towing item containers behind vehicles, both autonomous and manually guided.