Tow-hook locking mechanism for mobile working machines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tow-hook arrangements for mobile working machines are complex, prone to damage, and inefficiently distribute loads, using multiple small components that are costly and subject to wear, with locking mechanisms that require human interaction and compromise structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A simplified tow-hook arrangement with a locking mechanism using a guide arrangement and a locking element that moves vertically within the guide, supported by elongated guide openings and a vertical support surface, allowing for secure locking without separate springs and reducing structural stress on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-based locking mechanism with multiple small components is used, then the towing element can be locked in place, but the mechanism is complex, prone to damage, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring-based locking mechanism and its multiple small components entirely. Instead, it uses the boom's own linear movement structure to provide locking functionality, extracting the locking function from a separate complex mechanism and integrating it into the existing boom structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the locking function with the boom's linear movement structure. The guide arrangement and locking element are integrated into the existing boom and towing element assembly, merging multiple functions into a unified structure that reduces overall complexity.
2Device complexity
If the same element prevents both linear movement and supports the towing element, then locking is achieved, but great strains are imposed on flanges and pin leading to fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking function into separate components: the guide arrangement for linear movement control and the locking element for positional locking. This segmentation distributes loads across different structural elements rather than concentrating them on flanges and pins, reducing fatigue risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension for the locking element's movement within the guide arrangement, separate from the horizontal linear movement of the boom. This dimensional separation allows independent optimization of locking and movement functions, reducing structural strain.
3Reliability
If a complicated spring-based locking mechanism is used, then the towing element can be locked, but the mechanism is cost-intensive with precisely dimensioned components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, precisely dimensioned spring components with simpler, more robust elements made from standard structural materials. The locking element and guide arrangement use conventional steel sections that are easier and cheaper to manufacture while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the design parameters from precision-engineered small components to larger, standard-dimension structural elements. This parameter change simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces costs while maintaining the required locking reliability through increased component size and structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a tow-hook arrangement (10) for a mobile working machine. The arrangement includes a body (11) to be attached to the mobile working machine, a boom (19) pivoted at one end (19.1) to the body (11), a guide (12) arranged to move linearly in the boom, and a towing element (13) fitted to it, which are arranged to be lowered and raised relative to the body using the boom, a medium-operated operating device (14) for moving the towing element linearly, and a locking mechanism (15) for locking the towing element in place, when towing the object (34) connected to the towing element. The locking mechanism includes a guide arrangement (16) fitted to the body (11) and a locking element (17) arranged to move vertically in the guide arrangement (16), which vertical movement is arranged to be achieved using the guide arranged to move linearly in the boom. In addition, the invention relates also to a method for coupling a towable object to the tow-hook arrangement.