Towing Assembly Automatic Articulating Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current towing assemblies either lack the flexibility to reach inaccessible locations or the rigidity needed for safe towing on roads, and often require manual locking and operation, which can be inconvenient and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A towing assembly with an automated locking mechanism and operating system that converts from an articulating to a rigid configuration, allowing for easy extraction from difficult locations and safe towing on roads, featuring a hitch, pivotally attached members, and locking joints that automatically secure the assembly in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a supple and flexible assembly is used to extract vehicles from inaccessible locations, then the ability to reach difficult locations is improved, but the rigidity needed for safe towing on roads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The towing assembly incorporates an articulating mechanism with multiple shafts and joints that can dynamically change configuration. The assembly transitions from a flexible, articulated state during extraction operations to a rigid, locked state during road towing, allowing it to adapt its structural properties based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The towing assembly is divided into multiple segmented components including first shaft, second shaft, third shaft, fourth shaft, and various joints (elbow joints, locking joints). These segments can move relative to each other to provide flexibility during extraction, then lock together to form a rigid structure for safe towing
2Reliability
If a rigid triangular assembly is used for safe towing on roads, then the safety and security of towing is improved, but the ability to reach inaccessible locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly transitions from a rigid locked configuration used for safe road towing to a dynamic articulated configuration that can reach inaccessible locations. The locking mechanisms allow the structure to switch between these two states, providing both safety when needed and adaptability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The towing assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can serve as a rigid towing structure for safe road transport and as a flexible articulating mechanism for extracting vehicles from difficult locations. The same assembly structure provides both functions through its ability to lock and unlock
3Device complexity
If manual locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and safety deteriorates due to manual manipulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically lock and unlock the towing assembly without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the movement and positioning of the assembly components to trigger the locking and unlocking actions, improving ease of operation while maintaining safety
4Device complexity
If manual manipulation is required to switch between positions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and efficiency deteriorates due to time-consuming manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The towing assembly automatically transitions between articulated and locked positions based on operational conditions. The system self-actuates to switch configurations without requiring manual manipulation, thereby increasing productivity and efficiency while maintaining mechanical simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A towing bar assembly that may convert from an articulated assembly extracting a vehicle in an inaccessible location to a rigid assembly for safely towing a vehicle on a road and having an automatic articulating mechanism for moving the towing assembly into and out of the articulated position.