18171918. SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DOCKING VEHICLES FOR TOWING simplified abstract (The Boeing Company)

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 18171918 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 assembly with a compliance mechanism that allows for rotation and locking of the interface component.

• The docking assembly includes a mounting interface for the vehicle, an interface component rotatably coupled to the mounting interface, and a compliance mechanism that operates in three modes: locked, biased to central position, and freely rotatable.
• The compliance mechanism allows the interface component to be securely locked in place, biased towards a central position, or freely rotatable as needed during towing operations.

Key Features and Innovation:

• Mounting interface for vehicle coupling
• Rotatable interface component with compliance mechanism
• Three operating modes for the compliance mechanism: locked, biased, and freely rotatable

Potential Applications: The technology can be used in various towing applications, such as towing vehicles on roads, in parking lots, or at vehicle service centers.

Problems Solved: The technology solves the problem of securely docking vehicles for towing while allowing for flexibility in rotation and movement.

Benefits:

• Secure docking of vehicles for towing
• Flexibility in rotation and movement during towing operations
• Enhanced safety and efficiency in towing processes

Commercial Applications: The technology can be applied in the automotive industry for towing services, vehicle recovery operations, and transportation of disabled vehicles.

Prior Art: Readers can explore prior art related to vehicle towing systems, compliance mechanisms, and docking assemblies in the automotive industry.

Frequently Updated Research: Stay informed about the latest advancements in vehicle towing technology, compliance mechanisms, and docking systems for enhanced efficiency and safety.

Questions about Vehicle Docking Technology: 1. How does the compliance mechanism in the docking assembly enhance towing operations? 2. What are the potential future developments in vehicle docking technology for towing applications?

Original Abstract Submitted

Systems and methods for docking vehicles for towing are disclosed herein. An example docking assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting interface to be coupled to the vehicle, an interface component rotatably coupled to the mounting interface at a joint defining an axis, the interface component to be coupled to a corresponding interface component on another vehicle, and a compliance mechanism. The compliance mechanism is operable between: a first mode in which the interface component is locked from rotating about the axis; a second mode in which the interface component is rotatable about the axis and biased to a central position; and a third mode in which the interface component is freely rotatable about the axis.