Towing Hook Temporary Lock Reduces Wear and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-automatic towing hook arrangements experience high wear and noise due to strong springs used for locking the towing hook in operative and idle positions, leading to uncomfortable vibrations and increased component stress.
Innovation Solution
A temporary lock mechanism using a displaceable lock member, biased by a spring or compressible member, retains the towing hook in a preliminary position, reducing the need for strong components and allowing the main lock mechanism to fully engage, with optional electrical motor actuation and sensor monitoring for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strong spring is used to lock the towing hook in position, then the towing hook can be securely retained, but wear of components increases and noise and vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate functions: a temporary lock member that provides preliminary positioning and reduces impact, and a main lock mechanism that provides secure retention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall wear and noise while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary lock member engages first to provide preliminary positioning of the towing hook before the main lock mechanism engages. This preliminary action reduces the impact force on the main lock components, thereby reducing wear and noise while ensuring secure final retention.
2Reliability
If a strong spring is used to force the towing hook lock into position, then the locking is secure, but wear of individual components and displaceable parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented between a temporary lock member for preliminary positioning and a main lock mechanism for secure retention. This division allows the temporary lock to absorb initial impacts and reduce stress on the main lock components, extending their service life while maintaining locking security.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary lock member performs the preliminary action of positioning the towing hook and reducing impact forces before the main lock mechanism engages. This preliminary action protects the main lock components from excessive wear and extends their operational life.
3Reliability
If a strong spring is used for locking, then the towing hook is securely retained, but uncomfortable vibrations and noise are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into a temporary lock member that absorbs initial impact and reduces vibrations, and a main lock mechanism that provides secure retention. This segmentation minimizes noise and uncomfortable vibrations while maintaining retention security.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary lock member performs preliminary positioning and absorbs impact forces before the main lock engages, reducing vibrations and noise generated during the locking process while ensuring secure final retention.
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
The temporary lock reduces wear on components, minimizes noise and vibrations, and provides a user-friendly solution by temporarily holding the towing hook in position until the main lock can fully engage, while allowing for semi-automatic or automatic operation with reduced stress on components.
Implementation Method 1
The towing hook arrangement (10) comprises a temporary lock formed by a displaceable lock member (31) and a biasing member, such as a spring or any other suitable compressible yet form restoring member, such as a rubber member
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a towing hook arrangement (10) for a vehicle (1) comprising a towing hook lock arrangement, and a method for locking a towing hook of a towing hook arrangement (10). The towing hook arrangement (10) comprises a towing hook (11) displaceable between a first and a second position. The towing hook arrangement (10) further comprises a towing hook lock arrangement (30) for locking said towing hook (11) in the first position or the second position. The towing hook further comprises at least one preliminary lock position in which the towing hook (11) is preliminary retained by a temporary lock (31, 34) until the towing hook lock arrangement (30) can lock the towing hook.