Towing Assembly Pivot Joints Locking Rigid Configuration

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing towing assemblies face a dilemma in being either flexible for extracting vehicles from difficult locations or rigid for safe towing on roads, lacking a solution that balances both functionalities effectively.

Innovation Solution

A convertible towing assembly with pivotally attached members and locking joints that can articulate for accessibility and lock into a rigid configuration for safety, utilizing a hitch and shafts with various locking mechanisms to secure the orientation and attachment of vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible assembly (woven fabric, multi-strand cable) is used to extract vehicles from difficult locations, then accessibility and flexibility are improved, but towing safety and security are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidtowing safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The towing assembly incorporates pivot joints that enable the structure to dynamically transition between articulated and rigid configurations. The assembly can articulate when flexibility is needed for extraction, then lock into a rigid triangular configuration for secure towing, making the system adaptable to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the structural parameter of rigidity by introducing locking mechanisms that can transform the assembly from a flexible articulated state to a rigid locked state. This parameter change allows the same structure to serve both extraction and secure towing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a rigid assembly is used to safely tow vehicles on roads, then towing safety and security are improved, but accessibility to difficult locations is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetowing safetyVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The towing assembly incorporates pivot joints that enable the structure to dynamically transition between articulated and rigid configurations. The assembly can articulate when flexibility is needed for extraction, then lock into a rigid triangular configuration for secure towing, making the system adaptable to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a supple assembly is used to reach ditched vehicles, then accessibility is improved, but structural strength and stability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The towing assembly incorporates pivot joints that enable the structure to dynamically transition between articulated and rigid configurations. The assembly can articulate when flexibility is needed for extraction, then lock into a rigid triangular configuration for secure towing, making the system adaptable to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the structural parameter of rigidity by introducing locking mechanisms that can transform the assembly from a flexible articulated state to a rigid locked state. This parameter change allows the same structure to serve both extraction and secure towing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If a rigid triangular assembly is used for road towing, then structural strength is improved, but operational flexibility is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The towing assembly incorporates pivot joints that enable the structure to dynamically transition between articulated and rigid configurations. The assembly can articulate when flexibility is needed for extraction, then lock into a rigid triangular configuration for secure towing, making the system adaptable to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 safer and more versatile towing by allowing the assembly to convert between articulated and rigid modes, providing enhanced storage, use, and towing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The locking mechanism includes a locking surface on the first shaft and an engagement surface on the second shaft, wherein the locking surface is engageable by the engagement surface to prevent relative movement between the first shaft and the second shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9592711B2Towing assembly with pivot joints

Publication Date: 2017.03.14 DEFENSE PROD & SERVICES HLDG

AI summary

A towing 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, the assembly having locking pivot joints.