SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DOCKING VEHICLES FOR TOWING

Organization Name

The Boeing Company

Inventor(s)

Emily Georgia Rayner of Newport (AU)

Benjamin Stanislaw Zielinski of Port Melbourne (AU)

Naram Abraham Faris of Port Melbourne (AU)

Timothy Trewern of Port Melbourne (AU)

Timothy Edward Mew of Brisbane City (AU)

Alana Jade Overmeyer of Port Melbourne (AU)

Jason Cochrane of Tecoma (AU)

Michael Hamilton of BRISBANE (AU)

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DOCKING VEHICLES FOR TOWING - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18171816 titled 'SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DOCKING VEHICLES FOR TOWING

Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes systems and methods for docking vehicles for towing, including a docking system with two assemblies to mechanically couple a first vehicle and a second vehicle.

The first docking assembly has a mounting interface for the first vehicle and a receiver that can rotate about a pitch axis, with an opening for the second vehicle to insert a plug.
The second docking assembly includes a mounting interface for the second vehicle and a plug that can rotate about a yaw axis and a roll axis relative to the second vehicle.

Key Features and Innovation:

Two docking assemblies for mechanically coupling vehicles for towing.
Rotatable receiver on the first docking assembly and a plug on the second docking assembly for easy coupling.
Rotation capabilities on multiple axes for flexibility during towing.

Potential Applications: The technology can be used in the automotive industry for towing vehicles, in emergency situations for quick vehicle rescue, and in parking facilities for efficient vehicle movement.

Problems Solved: The technology solves the problem of securely and efficiently docking vehicles for towing, providing flexibility and ease of use during the process.

Benefits:

Secure and stable docking of vehicles for towing.
Flexibility in rotation for easy coupling and maneuvering.
Efficient and time-saving process for towing vehicles.

Commercial Applications: The technology can be applied in towing services, parking management systems, and emergency vehicle rescue operations, enhancing efficiency and safety in vehicle handling.

Questions about the Technology: 1. How does the docking system ensure a secure connection between the vehicles during towing? 2. What are the potential cost savings for towing companies using this technology?

Frequently Updated Research: Stay updated on advancements in vehicle docking systems, towing technologies, and automotive safety standards to ensure compliance and innovation in the field.

Original Abstract Submitted

Systems and methods for docking vehicles for towing are disclosed herein. An example docking system to mechanically couple a first vehicle and a second vehicle includes a first docking assembly and a second docking assembly. The first docking assembly includes a first mounting interface to be coupled to the first vehicle and a receiver rotatably coupled to the first mounting interface to enable the receiver to rotate about a pitch axis relative to the first vehicle. The receiver defines an opening. The second docking assembly includes a second mounting interface to be coupled to the second vehicle and a plug to be inserted into the opening of the receiver. The plug is rotatably coupled the second mounting interface to enable the plug to rotate about a yaw axis relative to the second vehicle and rotate about a roll axis relative to the second vehicle.