Vehicle Tow Hook With Compressible Fluid Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tow hooks in vehicles do not effectively absorb impact energy during towing, potentially leading to increased force and injury risk when used for towing stuck vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A tow apparatus featuring a tow hook slidable within a housing filled with a compressible fluid, such as a non-Newtonian shear-thinning fluid, which compresses upon impact to absorb energy and reduce the force transferred to the object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a traditional fixed tow hook is used, then the towing function is provided, but the impact energy cannot be absorbed and the force on the object increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact forceVSAvoidimpact energy absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-filling the housing with compressible fluid before any impact occurs. This fluid cushion is ready to absorb impact energy immediately when the tow hook encounters an obstacle, reducing the peak force transmitted to the vehicle frame and preventing injury to persons or damage to property.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a compressible fluid (gas or liquid) contained in a sealed housing. The fluid's compressibility allows it to act as a shock-absorbing medium that can dynamically adjust to impact forces, transforming mechanical impact energy into fluid compression and thereby reducing the transmitted force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Strength

If the tow hook is made fixed and rigid, then the towing strength is sufficient, but the injury risk during impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetowing strengthVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tow hook system into three distinct components: a housing containing compressible fluid, a movable tow hook bar, and a sealing mechanism. This segmentation allows the rigid housing to provide structural strength while the movable bar and compressible fluid together provide shock absorption, thereby reducing injury risk without compromising towing strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the tow hook bar to change its position (movable rather than fixed) and the fluid to change its volume (compressible rather than rigid). These parameter changes enable the system to adapt to impact conditions, reducing the harmful effects of rigid force transmission while maintaining sufficient towing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If a movable tow hook with compressible fluid is used, then the impact energy is absorbed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy absorptionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the compressible fluid to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a shock absorber during impact, provides a sealing medium to prevent fluid leakage, and creates hydraulic pressure to return the tow hook bar to its original position after deformation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated system where the housing, fluid, and movable bar work together as a unified shock-absorbing towing mechanism. Rather than adding separate shock absorbers, seals, and return springs, the compressible fluid performs all these functions concurrently, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 compressible fluid within the tow apparatus absorbs impact energy, reducing the force experienced by the object and minimizing injury risk during towing operations.

Implementation Method 1

the closed chamber is filled with a compressible fluid... Sliding the tow hook in the housing in a direction that decreases the volume of the closed chamber may compress the compressible fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The compression of the compressible fluid can absorb energy from the impact, which may reduce injuries energy transferred to the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

The compressible fluid may be a non-Newtonian fluid. The compressible fluid may be a shear-thinning fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear-thinning: Shear Thinning

Data Source

PatentUS10787052B2Vehicle tow hook

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A tow apparatus includes a front bumper, a housing rigidly attached to the front bumper, and a tow hook slidable in the housing. The housing and the tow hook define a closed chamber, and the closed chamber is filled with a compressible fluid. Sliding the tow hook in the housing in a direction that decreases the volume of the closed chamber compresses the compressible fluid.