Vehicle Hook Holder With Threshold Release to Prevent Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tow truck and wrecker hook systems experience corrosion and wear due to constant disconnection and reconnection, leading to potential failure under load, as existing solutions like loops do not effectively prevent hook movement during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing mountable to a vehicle, featuring a holder that releasably secures the hook with a threshold force mechanism, preventing movement during operation and reducing cable 'bird nesting' around the winch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hook is left disconnected from the cable, then the hook can be stored in a loop to prevent it from flying around and damaging the vehicle, but the hook moves within the loop during vehicle operation causing corrosion and wear
Solution Approach 1:
A holder device is introduced as an intermediary component between the hook and the vehicle body. The holder securely retains the hook when not in use and provides a controlled release mechanism when needed, eliminating the hook's movement within a loose loop while maintaining easy accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder incorporates a dynamic release mechanism that transitions from a locked state (holding the hook securely) to an unlocked state (releasing the hook for use). This dynamic system adapts between two stable states based on operational needs, providing both security and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the hook is constantly connected to the cable, then the hook remains ready for immediate use, but the hook must be disconnected and reconnected during vehicle operation which causes wear and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves as a permanent mounting structure on the vehicle body that provides a stable connection point for the hook. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for repeated connection and disconnection operations between the hook and cable, as the hook remains securely mounted in the holder during vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is pre-installed and permanently mounted to the vehicle body in advance. This preliminary action creates a ready-made, stable mounting position for the hook, eliminating the need for repeated connection operations and reducing wear from frequent assembly and disassembly.
3Device complexity
If a simple loop is used to hold the hook, then the device structure remains simple, but the hook moves within the loop causing material exposure to corrosion and excessive wear
Solution Approach 1:
The holder acts as an intermediary structure that replaces the simple loop. It provides a controlled, stable mounting environment for the hook with defined retention and release mechanisms, preventing the uncontrolled movement and rubbing that occurs in a simple loop configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder incorporates dynamic elements such as springs, latches, or cam mechanisms that provide controlled retention and release. These dynamic components create a stable locked state during normal operation and a controlled release state when needed, preventing the continuous movement and wear associated with static loop structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for holding a hook to a vehicle, includes a housing that is mountable to a vehicle and a holder that is operable to releasably hold a hook. The holder is coupled with the housing and configured to hold the hook when the hook is positioned in the holder, and release the hook when the hook is urged against the holder and applies a force to the holder that exceeds a threshold amount of force. With a holder that is configured to release the hook when the hook is urged against the holder and applies a force to the holder that exceeds a threshold amount of force, the hook may be firmly held in place and may be easily released when needed.