Tow Hook Ball Locking Lever With Self-Locking Snail Nut Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure systems on tow hooks for motor vehicles are prone to accidental opening due to improper installation or stress, leading to potential disconnection and loss of attached devices or loads during transport.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking closure system featuring a first and second snail nut with a movement system operated by a lever, incorporating a locking mechanism with a rotatable locking element and elastic element to prevent accidental opening, ensuring the lever remains in the closed position and maintaining a secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional closure system with lever and toggle braces is used, then the device can be installed and adjusted by user operation, but the system is prone to accidental opening due to stresses, vibrations or jolts during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is preliminarily positioned to engage with the tooth on the lever, creating a preventive counter-action against accidental opening. The elastic element pre-loads the locking element into the locked position, opposing any forces that might cause unintentional opening during transport
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically locks itself through the interaction between the locking element and the lever tooth. Once the lever is moved to the closed position, the locking element automatically engages with the tooth without requiring additional user action, and the elastic element maintains this self-locked state
2Adaptability or versatility
If the closing force of the toggle on the snail nuts is adjusted by a screw, then the bottom dead center can be adjusted, but improper installation or adjustment by the user can lead to insecure closure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the user-operated lever and the snail nuts. Even if the user improperly adjusts the screw or fails to correctly position components, the locking element prevents the lever from returning to the open position, ensuring secure closure regardless of installation quality
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 system effectively prevents accidental opening and ensures a secure closure under various conditions, ensuring the device remains attached to the tow hook even under stress, vibrations, or jolts, thereby guaranteeing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
said locking means comprising an elastic element pushing said locking element against the tooth
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A closing system (10) on the ball (12) of a tow hook (11) for motor vehicles is described comprising a structure (1) comprising a first fixed snail nut (2A) and a second mobile snail nut (2B), a movement system (15, 16) configured to operate the second mobile snail nut (2B) by locking or unlocking a ball (12) of the tow hook (11) between the two snails (2A, 2B), the movement system (15) being operated by a lever (3) and the closing system (10) comprising locking means (4, 5) configured to stop the lever (3) when it is in a closed position, preventing it from lifting and unlocking the ball (12) by activating the movement system (15, 16) and the movable snail nut (2B).