Tow hook mounting structure for use with vehicle having curved frame
US10029524B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D21/152
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The disclosed inventive concept provides a robust tow hook mounting structure for use with vehicles having curved frames in which the tow hook remains fixed to the vehicle during a front end impact event. The structure includes weld nuts aligned in a vehicle longitudinal direction. A frame reinforcement to which the tow hook is attached is welded to the front tip of the curved frame. Mounting bolts are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to secure the tow hook and the tow hook reinforcement to the frame weld nuts. The shear capacity of the mounting bolts is higher than the towing capacity and the crash load during an impact event. The structure generates high bending moments that trigger favorable bending deformations in the kick down area of the frame in which the structure functions as a backup arrangement in an impact event and reduces high crash pulses.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.