Absorbing Rail Fastening System for Vehicle Cargo Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems in service vehicles are prone to failure during severe deceleration or collision, leading to potential damage and safety risks due to the inability to securely attach modular units, which can break loose and cause injury.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system comprising an elongated rail with a surface structure to control the frictional coefficient, allowing items to move along the rail when subjected to high loading forces, thereby absorbing energy and preventing the securing elements from breaking, and featuring a method to attach modular units using a nut and bolt system with a predefined loading threshold value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional angle brackets and securing elements are used to fasten modular units to the wall or rail, then the modular units can be securely attached under normal conditions, but during severe deceleration or collision the securing elements break off before absorbing the energy, causing the modules to break loose and potentially cause damage or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the item can move along the rail when subjected to high loading forces. The rail allows controlled movement of the item during normal operation but absorbs energy during severe deceleration by allowing the item to slide, preventing breaking of securing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional coefficient between the item and rail is changed by providing a surface structure on the rail. This surface structure controls the frictional coefficient to a value that allows the item to remain stationary under normal forces but move when the loading force exceeds a threshold, enabling energy absorption during collisions.
2Reliability
If the frictional coefficient between the item and rail is increased to prevent movement during deceleration, then the item remains secure, but the securing elements are more likely to break off under high loading forces
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional coefficient is precisely controlled through the surface structure on the rail. This allows the system to maintain stability during normal operation while permitting controlled movement during severe deceleration, preventing securing element failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fastening approach to a dynamic one where the item can move along the rail under high loading forces. This dynamic behavior allows energy absorption without breaking the securing elements, as the item slides along the rail rather than requiring the securing elements to withstand the full force.
3Strength
If the item is allowed to move along the rail during severe deceleration, then energy is absorbed and securing elements are protected, but the item may move uncontrollably if the frictional coefficient is too low
Solution Approach 1:
The surface structure on the rail controls the frictional coefficient to a specific value range that enables controlled movement. This controlled friction allows the item to slide along the rail during severe deceleration for energy absorption while preventing uncontrolled movement during normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces the risk of modular units breaking loose during severe deceleration by absorbing energy through controlled friction, ensuring safe and secure attachment of modular units, thereby enhancing driver and passenger safety.
Implementation Method 1
said at least one portion comprises a surface structure so as to control a frictional coefficient between said at least one portion of said fastening rail and said item
Data Source
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AI summary
A fastening system and a method for fastening an item in the fastening system adapted for a cargo or back space of a vehicle, are disclosed. The system comprises at least one elongated fastening rail (11) for fastening an item (123) and where the fastening rail is adapted to be attached to an inner surface of a cargo or backspace of a vehicle. The item is further arranged to move along the rail when subjected to a force above a predefined threshold value and to not move when subjected to forces below that treshold value. Hereby, safety can be improved for drivers and passengers of a vehicle having a fastening system in the cargo or back space in the event of e.g. a collision.