Towing Hook Load Detection via Motor Power Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing hooks lack an effective and cost-efficient method to measure the applied load, particularly negative loads, which can lead to unsafe conditions such as trailer instability due to the difficulty in determining when the load limit is reached or exceeded.
Innovation Solution
A towing hook arrangement utilizing an electrical motor to impart and measure load, with an electronic control unit monitoring the power supplied to the motor to quantify the external load, and a lock arrangement to prevent accidental displacement, allowing for quantitative detection of both positive and negative loads without substantial modifications to existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor mechanism is integrated to the trailer ball itself, then load detection capability is improved, but the complexity and cost increase due to exposure to dirt and weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the electrical motor as an intermediary device to indirectly measure the load on the towing ball. Instead of placing sensors directly on the exposed ball, the motor's power consumption serves as a mediator that reflects the load conditions, protecting the measurement system from environmental exposure while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical load cells or force sensors with an electrical measurement system. By monitoring the electrical power consumed by the motor during towing operations, the system substitutes direct mechanical measurement with electrical parameter monitoring, reducing complexity and improving reliability
2Measurement precision
If a sensor mechanism is integrated to the coupling body, then load detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to moving parts susceptible to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical sensors and moving parts by using electrical motor power monitoring. This substitution removes wear-prone components while maintaining load detection capability, as electrical measurements have no moving parts and are not susceptible to mechanical wear
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical motor serves dual functions: it performs the towing operation and simultaneously provides the measurement data through its power consumption characteristics. The motor's electrical parameters self-report the load conditions without requiring separate sensing mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If power is supplied to the electrical motor to displace the towing hook, then the towing hook can be positioned, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic or intermittent power supply to the electrical motor for positioning the towing hook, rather than continuous operation. The motor is activated only when positioning adjustments are needed, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the electrical motor, adjusting power supply based on the actual positioning needs and load conditions. The system optimizes motor operation by supplying power only when necessary for positioning, rather than maintaining constant power input
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 accurate and safe measurement of external loads applied to the towing hook, preventing trailer instability and ensuring proper loading conditions, while being cost-effective and easy to implement.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical motor (20, 33) is configured to impart a load to the towing hook (11)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
A towing hook arrangement (10) for a vehicle (1) adapted to measure an external load applied to the towing hook. The towing hook arrangement (10) comprises a towing hook (11), an electrical motor (20, 33), the electrical motor (20, 33) is interacting with the towing hook (11), e.g. to impart a load to the towing hook (11). The towing hook arrangement (10) is adapted to measure the amount of power supplied to the electrical motor, and thus the amount of external load imparted to the towing hook (11). A method for measure applied load to a towing hook is also disclosed. The towing hook arrangement is cheap and the method is easy to implement.