V-Sling Hook Positioning Adapter for Winching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of prior art V-slings in winching vehicles often results in damage to delicate components due to the winch hook's orientation, which contacts the vehicle's undercarriage, oil pans, and bumpers, especially with vehicles made from lighter materials and lower ground clearance, compromising fuel efficiency and aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A V-sling design featuring a master linking device with a load coupling linkage and a hook positioning adapter, where the hook positioning adapter is oriented transversely to the load coupling linkage, allowing the winch hook to be positioned in a plane corresponding to the master link, thereby avoiding contact with the vehicle's undercarriage and delicate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the winch hook is positioned using conventional V-sling configurations, then the winching operation can be performed, but the hook contacts the vehicle's undercarriage and delicate components causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning member that extends transversely from the master link in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the master link. This dimensional change repositions the hook engagement point from a conventional vertical orientation to a transverse orientation, causing the hook to extend parallel to the vehicle frame rather than contacting the undercarriage, thereby eliminating damage while maintaining winching capability
2Productivity
If vehicles are designed with lower ground clearance and lighter materials to improve fuel efficiency and aerodynamics, then fuel efficiency and aerodynamics are improved, but the vehicle becomes more susceptible to hook contact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse positioning member reorients the hook engagement geometry so that the hook extends parallel to the vehicle frame during winching operations. This dimensional repositioning ensures that even vehicles with lower ground clearance and lighter components are protected from hook contact damage, allowing these modern vehicle designs to maintain their improved fuel efficiency and aerodynamics without increased vulnerability
3Reliability
If the hook positioning adapter is added to the master linking device, then the hook is properly oriented to avoid damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented from the master link itself and implemented as a separate, dedicated positioning member that extends transversely. This segmentation allows the hook orientation function to be added without redesigning the entire master linking device, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable damage prevention through the transverse positioning geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning member acts as an intermediary element between the master link and the hook engagement point. It mediates the orientation relationship by providing a transverse extension that guides the hook into the correct parallel orientation with the vehicle frame, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable damage-free operation
Data Source
AI summary
A V-sling (100) for use in winching a vehicle includes a master linking device (150) and at least two longitudinally extending flaccid leg members (114) coupled on a first end to the master linking device (150). The opposing second end of the flaccid leg members (114) are respectively coupled to a plurality of hooks (116, 116a). The master linking device (150) includes having a load coupling linkage (152) and a hook positioning adapter (154). The load coupling linkage (152) defines a first plane and the hook positioning adapter (154) is disposed in a second plane. The second plane is transverse to the first plane for positioning a winch hook (62) engaged therewith in a plane corresponding to the first plane.