Tow Tube Bracket Layout for Space-Efficient Bumper Beam Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing towing device arrangements for vehicles require adaptations to the bumper beam's crossmember shape and often necessitate internal brackets, which increase complexity and space usage, while also requiring high precision in assembly.

Innovation Solution

A towing device arrangement featuring a U-shaped crossmember with a bracket that has a first and second portion connected by an angled portion, allowing the tow tube to be securely attached without modifying the crossmember shape, with the bracket welded to the crossmember for enhanced strength and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the crossmember shape is adapted to secure the tow tube, then the towing device can be firmly fixed, but the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmness of towing device fixationVSAvoidprecision of crossmember shape adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion that attaches to the web portion of the crossmember, and a second portion that secures the tow tube. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the first portion for simple welding to the standard crossmember, and the second portion for secure tow tube fixation, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket serves as an intermediary component between the crossmember and the tow tube. Instead of directly adapting the crossmember shape to secure the tow tube, the bracket mediates this connection, allowing both components to maintain their standard designs while achieving firm fixation through the intermediate bracket structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a bracket is arranged on the inside of the crossmember, then the attachment requires little adaptation to the crossmember, but space on the inside of the bumper beam is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimal adaptation to crossmemberVSAvoidspace inside bumper beam

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket utilizes the lateral dimension by extending between the leg portions of the U-shaped crossmember, rather than occupying only the internal space. The second portion of the bracket extends in an angle to reach and secure the tow tube from the lateral direction, effectively using available three-dimensional space without consuming valuable internal bumper beam volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of stationary object

If a bracket with angled portion is used to attach tow tube to crossmember, then space efficiency is improved and no internal bracket is needed, but the bracket structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace inside bumper beamVSAvoidbracket structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket merges multiple functions into a single component: the first portion provides attachment to the crossmember web, the angled portion provides structural transition, and the second portion provides secures the tow tube. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate internal brackets and other fastening components, reducing overall device complexity despite the angled geometry

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

This solution provides a reliable, space-efficient, and efficient assembly process that secures the towing device without needing internal brackets or precise adaptations to the crossmember, enhancing structural strength and reducing production complexity.

Implementation Method 1

wherein the bracket is welded to the crossmember

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP4056430B1Towing device arrangement, bumper beam and a process of arranging a towing device on a crossmember

Publication Date: 2023.09.13 AUTOTECH ENG SL

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AI summary

The invention relates to a towing device arrangement comprising a crossmember (1), a tow tube (20), and a bracket (10) arranged to attach the tow tube (20) to the crossmember (1), the bracket having a first portion (11) and a second portion (12) which is connected to the first portion and extends outwards with respect thereto between two leg portions (3, 4) of the crossmember (1), wherein a second hole (15) is provided in the second portion (12) for receiving a second end (22) of the tow tube (20), the first portion (11) being aligned with the web portion (2) and having a first hole (14) through which the first end (21) passes, wherein the second portion (12) of the bracket (10) is welded to the opposed leg portions (3, 4) of the crossmember (1). The invention also relates to a bumper beam and to a process of attaching a tow tube to a crossmember.