Tow Hook Winch Mount With Locking Couplers for Front Bumpers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles with four-wheel drive often have front tow hooks that are obstructed by original equipment manufacturer bumpers, preventing the attachment of motorized winches, and existing mount systems fail to accommodate the variability in tow hook shapes and orientations, leading to instability and difficulty in securely mounting winches.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular utility mount system with an elongate support beam and hitch receiver, featuring orthogonal planar panels, vertical support panels, and adjustable coupling structures, which securely attaches to front tow hooks using locking pins, ensuring robust and removable coupling despite variations in tow hook shapes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable mounting system is used to allow quick removal of the winch assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as the system may come uncoupled under load
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs a dynamic coupling mechanism with movable locking components that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking pins or clips are designed to automatically engage and lock into recesses on the tow hooks, providing a secure connection during winching operations while allowing quick manual release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system introduces intermediary locking components (such as locking pins, clips, or latches) that mediate between the mounting bracket and the tow hooks. These intermediaries provide a positive mechanical lock that maintains reliability under load while still allowing for quick removal by simply disengaging the locking mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting system is designed to accommodate various tow hook shapes and orientations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of tow hooks (different shapes, sizes, and orientations) through a standardized coupling mechanism. The bracket includes adjustable positioning features and multiple attachment points that can adapt to various tow hook configurations without requiring different mounting systems for each vehicle model.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can dynamically adapt to different tow hook configurations. This includes adjustable arms, repositionable locking points, and flexible positioning mechanisms that allow the same mounting system to securely attach to various tow hook variants encountered in the field.
3Strength
If the mounting system provides robust coupling to withstand winching loads, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in secure attachment and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses intermediary locking components that provide strong mechanical engagement while maintaining ease of operation. These intermediaries (locking pins, clips, or latches) create a positive lock that ensures strong coupling under load but can be easily disengaged by simple manual action, bridging the gap between strength and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism employs dynamic elements that automatically engage and lock into place during attachment, providing strong coupling without requiring excessive manual effort. The system may include spring-loaded locking components or cam-actuated mechanisms that secure the connection firmly once attached, while still allowing quick release when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular utility mount system is provided which may utilize an elongate support beam having a first planar panel and a second planar panel. The first planar panel may be arranged orthogonal relative the second planar panel. The second planar panel may have an opening formed therethrough. The mount system may further utilize a hitch receiver disposed through the opening in the second planar panel. The mount system may also utilize a first coupling structure and a second coupling structure. The first coupling structure may be disposed at a first end of the elongate support beam and the second coupling structure may be disposed at a second end of the elongate support beam.