Adjustable Load Carrier Fastening with Integrated Toggle Lever

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Solution Overview

Problem

Securing transport objects like coils, slit strips, or circular blanks on load carriers in a vertical loading mode with minimal distance between them is challenging, as existing fastening methods are expensive and not always effective, requiring additional securing means like tension belts.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system with adjustable clamping elements, such as toggle levers or scissor linkages, integrated within tubular fasteners that can change their clear width to securely hold loads without additional securing means, allowing for easy adaptation to different load sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If stanchions of different widths are used to secure transport objects of different dimensions, then the adaptability to various load sizes is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various load sizesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening means incorporates an adjustable clear width mechanism that allows a single stanchion design to adapt to different load dimensions. The tensioning element can modify the distance between clamping elements, enabling one fastener type to secure various transport object sizes without requiring multiple fixed-width stanchions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening means is designed as a universal solution that can secure different types of transport objects (coils, slit strips, strip steel, wire rings, circular blanks) with a single fastener design. The adjustable clear width and repositionable clamping elements allow one fastener type to perform multiple securing functions across various load configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional securing means such as tension belts are used to prevent cargo shifting, then the reliability of load securing is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of load securingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening means integrates multiple securing functions into a single device. The clamping elements provide lateral restraint while the adjustable clear width accommodates different load dimensions, eliminating the need for separate tension belts or additional securing means. The single fastener performs both positioning and securing functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening means is designed to secure loads independently without requiring additional auxiliary securing elements. The clamping elements with adjustable positioning provide sufficient restraint forces to prevent cargo shifting, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on external tensioning devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If transport objects are arranged at minimal distance to maximize space utilization, then the productivity is improved, but the ease of operation for loading and unloading deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening means divides the securing function into multiple repositionable clamping elements that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the fastener to adapt to loads at minimal distances by adjusting individual clamping point positions, maintaining ease of operation while maximizing space utilization through compact load arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If fixed-width stanchions are used to prevent cargo slipping, then the reliability of load securing is improved, but the adaptability to different transport object dimensions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of load securingVSAvoidadaptability to different transport object dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening means transitions from fixed-width stanchions to a dynamic clear width design. The tensioning element enables continuous adjustment of the distance between clamping elements, allowing the same fastener to reliably secure transport objects of varying dimensions while maintaining securing reliability across different load sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures reliable and quick securing of loads without the need for additional securing elements, allowing for efficient use of space and adaptable to various load geometries, reducing the risk of unintentional shifting.

Implementation Method 1

at least one toggle lever or scissor linkage for changing the clear width of the fastening means in the horizontal direction by a horizontal force acting in the direction of the clear width

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

at least one piston/cylinder unit for changing the clear width of the fastening means in the horizontal direction by a horizontal force acting in the direction of the clear width

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

with the fastening means preventing the transport objects from slipping or tipping over

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3623220B1Load carrier for at least one load and fixing means for arrangement on a load carrier
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 LICHT RALPH DIETER
  • EP3623220B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3623220B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3623220B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

A load carrier for at least one load (4) comprises at least one fastening element (6) detachably held on the load carrier (1) for securing the load (4) by friction or form locking. The fastening element (6) supports at least one clamping element (7) which is adjustable to change the clear width of the fastening element (6). At least one clamping element (7) which can be displaced perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fastening element (6) by means of a toggle lever or scissor linkage (9) or a piston/cylinder unit is associated with the fastening element (6), wherein the toggle lever or scissor linkage (9) or the piston/cylinder unit is arranged in a cavity of the fastening element (6), which is at least partially tubular.