Towing Accessory with Suction Cups for Non-Ferrous Vehicle Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The growing number of vehicles made from non-ferrous materials poses a challenge for securely mounting tow lights, as traditional magnetic bars cannot effectively attach to these surfaces, leading to inadequate display of directional changes and braking notifications during towing operations.

Innovation Solution

A towing accessory featuring suction cups and a ferromagnetic attachment member, allowing for adjustable mounting on various surface contours, with suction locks and rotatable components to ensure proper light direction and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional magnetic bars are used to mount tow lights, then mounting is simple and quick, but they cannot effectively attach to non-ferrous vehicle surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidsurface compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mounting frame with suction cups as an intermediary device between the tow lights and the vehicle surface. The suction cups create a vacuum seal that adheres to non-ferrous surfaces, while the ferromagnetic attachment member provides magnetic attachment for the tow lights. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable attachment to surfaces that magnetic bars alone cannot secure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system combines multiple attachment mechanisms: suction cups for vacuum adhesion to the vehicle surface, ferromagnetic materials for securing the tow lights, and mechanical fasteners for reinforcement. This composite approach integrates different physical principles (vacuum, magnetism, mechanical interlocking) to achieve both reliable attachment and broad surface compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If tow lights are mounted on vehicles with non-planar surfaces, then versatility is improved, but maintaining proper light direction and visibility becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface contour adaptabilityVSAvoidlight direction adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting frame incorporates rotatable joints and adjustable mechanisms that allow the ferromagnetic attachment member to be oriented in different directions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the tow lights to be properly directed toward the road regardless of the vehicle's surface contour, resolving the contradiction between adapting to various surfaces and maintaining correct light orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If suction cups are used to mount on various surfaces, then surface adaptability is improved, but secure locking and vacuum maintenance become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface coverageVSAvoidvacuum seal reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system includes pre-positioned reinforcement fasteners and strategically placed suction cups that are designed to engage with the vehicle surface before the full weight of the tow lights is applied. This preliminary action ensures that the vacuum seal is established on a stable base, improving reliability across various surface types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple attachment methods into a single integrated system: suction cups provide initial adhesion and surface adaptability, while mechanical fasteners and ferromagnetic attachment members provide reinforcement and secure locking. This combination ensures both broad surface coverage and reliable vacuum maintenance throughout towing operations.

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

Enables secure and directional mounting of tow lights on non-ferrous vehicles, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and maintaining light visibility during towing operations, even on vehicles with non-planar surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

suction cups, mounted to the frame in a spaced-apart arrangement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

mounting a set of suction cups of the accessory to surfaces of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

a ferromagnetic attachment member rotatably attached to the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 4

ferromagnetic attachment member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11241924B2Towing accessory for tow lights and method of operating

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 SELIGMAN DYLAN

AI summary

Provided are a towing accessory for vehicles and method of operating them. The accessory comprises a mounting frame; suction cups, mounted to the frame in a spaced-apart arrangement; and a ferromagnetic attachment member attached to the frame at a side opposite the suction cups. Magnetic tow light system may thus attach to vehicles surfaces that are not magnetic via the accessory. The accessory has rotatable adjustments to enable the lights to face the required direction and mount to contours of the vehicle.