Towing Hook Wave Emitter Assembly Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in assembling detachable towing hooks with tow bars, especially due to the concealed location of the tow bar connection portions, which can be exacerbated by dark environments or visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a wave emitting device, such as a laser or sound emitter, into the tow bar and towing hook to project guidance patterns or beams onto the ground, assisting users in aligning the components during assembly, with optional reflective surfaces and sensors for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the tow bar connection portion is mounted behind the rear bumper in a transverse direction, then the towing hook arrangement achieves a compact and aesthetically pleasing design, but the connection portion becomes concealed from view making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A wave emitting device (laser or sound emitter) is introduced as an intermediary tool to guide the user during assembly. The device projects visible waves or sound patterns onto the ground to indicate the correct position and orientation of the connection portion, enabling users to assemble the concealed component accurately without direct visual access.
2Shape
If the tow bar connection portion is concealed from view, then the design maintains aesthetic appearance and compact structure, but users cannot easily locate and align the connection portion during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The wave emitting device serves as an information intermediary, converting the invisible or hard-to-see connection portion into visible guidance patterns projected onto the ground. This allows users to perceive the location and orientation of the concealed connection portion through the emitted waves or sound patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing visual information directly at the concealed connection portion, the system projects guidance information onto the ground plane below the vehicle. This dimensional shift allows users to see the correct assembly position from a different perspective, making the concealed information accessible.
3Measurement precision
If assembly guidance is provided through wave emitting devices, then alignment accuracy and user guidance improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wave emitting device is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily integrated into the tow bar or towing hook. Basic laser diodes or sound emitters are used rather than complex guidance systems, keeping the added cost and complexity minimal while still providing effective assembly guidance.
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
Simplifies the assembly process by providing visual and auditory guidance, improving alignment accuracy and reducing assembly time, particularly in challenging conditions like low light environments.
Implementation Method 1
The wave emitting device may emit a wave which is projected directly onto the ground beneath the vehicle. The projected wave e.g. a laser beam may be used as reference when assembling the tow bar connectable component with a portion of the tow bar.
Implementation Method 2
The wave emitting device may be arranged to emit a visible light having a selected pattern
Implementation Method 3
Optionally the at least one wave emitting device may be adapted to project a wave via a wave reflective surface, such as a mirror.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a tow bar for a vehicle, a towing hook (11) for a tow bar, and a method for guiding a user during assembly of a tow bar connectable component () with a portion of a tow bar (16) for a vehicle. The tow bar (16) comprises a towing hook connection portion (17) connectable with a towing hook (11). The tow bar (16) further comprises at least one wave emitting device (25, 26) configured to emit a mechanical and/or electromagnetic wave upon activation for guiding a user during assembly of a tow bar connectable component (11) with a portion of the tow bar (16). The tow bar, the towing hook and the method may effectively be used to assist a used when attaching or detaching e.g. a towing hook to a tow bar.