Definitions
From a constructive point of view, an automotive towing device is an assembly made of subassemblies and elements (parts). Subassemblies are independent structures that stand out as a compact group of components (parts), consisting, in a minimal configuration, of at least two parts or of other subassemblies and elements (parts) in permanent interaction, assembled mainly with regard to the assembly, maintenance and operation technologies.
Overall structural-constructive scheme
Integrated, with the subassemblies and elements assembled
Exploded, at subassembly and component level
Exploded, at component level
Notation and element types
| No. | Assembly / subassembly symbol | Element symbol | Element type | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A1 | 1 | Bar | Towing hook |
| 2 | S1 | 4 | Bar | Upper tie rod |
| 3 | 5 | Bar | Upper column | |
| 4 | S2 | 6 | Block | Upper column body |
| 5 | 7 | Bar | Lower tie rod | |
| 6 | S3 | 8 | Block | Lower tie rod body |
| 7 | 9 | Flange (block) | Rear flange | |
| 8 | S4 | 10 | Flange (block) | Front flange |
| 9 | 11 | Bar | Central bar | |
| 10 | S5 | 12 (12′) | Bar | Left (right) bar |
| 11 | 13 (13′) | Bar | Left (right) horizontal bar | |
| 12 | A1 | 2 (2′) | Bar | Left (right) bracket |
Note. All elements (parts) are specific to this type of ATD and their main function is to transmit loads (forces and moments).
Joints between the elements (parts)
Diagram of the joints (marked with a red line)
Notation and joint types
| No. | Symbol | Joint type | Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I | Detachable | Spherical joint (spherical kinematic pair) |
| 2 | 1-4 | Detachable | Nut joint |
| 3 | 4-5 | Permanent | Welded joint |
| 4 | 5-6 | Detachable | Tube-in-tube joint; pin joint |
| 5 | 6-7 | Permanent | Welded joint |
| 6 | 7-8 | Detachable | Tube-in-tube joint; pin joint |
| 7 | 8-9 | Permanent | Welded joint |
| 8 | 9-10 | Detachable | Bolted joint |
| 9 | 10-11 | Permanent | Welded joint |
| 10 | 11-12 (11-12′) | Detachable | Tube-in-tube joint; pin joint |
| 11 | 12-13 (12-13′) | Permanent | Welded joint |
| 12 | 13-2 (13-2′) | Detachable | Bolted joint |
| 15 | E | Detachable | Bolted joint |