Bendable Cargo Securement Tube for Irregular Load Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo securing devices, such as the 'Cargo Snake', are inadequate due to rigid materials, cumbersome design, and limited flexibility, making them inefficient for securing irregularly shaped cargo and difficult to store when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A bendable tubular securement device made from butyl or natural rubber, with adjustable length and diameter, featuring a clamp system for easy deployment and storage, capable of conforming to various shapes and weights, and filled with materials like pea gravel for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid plastic tube is used for cargo securement, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and ability to conform to irregular shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible tubular member made of bendable material that can conform to irregular shapes of cargo while maintaining sufficient structural strength through its wall construction and filling mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by combining the tubular member material with filler material inside the tube, creating a composite structure that provides both flexibility from the tube and structural support from the filler combination
2Reliability
If weighted filler material is added to the tube for improved securement, then cargo holding stability is improved, but ease of transport and storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by separating the tubular member from the filler material, allowing the tube to be transported empty and lightweight, then filled with weighted material only when needed for cargo securement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by making the system dynamically adjustable - the tube can be filled or emptied depending on whether cargo securement is needed, transforming the system from a static weighted object to a dynamic, on-demand securement solution
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tube ends are permanently sealed for use, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability for different cargo configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by making the tube ends dynamically openable and closable rather than permanently sealed, allowing the tube to be filled with different amounts and types of filler material depending on the specific cargo securement requirements
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 device effectively secures both regular and irregularly shaped cargo by distributing weight evenly, preventing shifting, and allows for compact storage and transport when empty, improving usability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A bendable tubular securement device made from butyl or natural rubber
Data Source
AI summary
A compact bendable cargo securement device for stabilizing unrestrained items in the bed or cargo area of a pick-up truck or storage area in a motorhome or recreational trailer is disclosed. It may also be used as a stabilizer doing woodwork and other jobs that require stability of the work platform. The device will conform to any surface and has the ability to wrap around objects—both regular and irregular shaped—and will hold them and keep them from shifting. As disclosed, the bendable cargo securement device is composed of a flexible tube loaded with filler material when used and deployed for securing objects. The flexible tube is preferably fabricated from rubber or any material allowing sufficient flexibility for the cargo securement device to wrap around items while having suitable strength to avoid puncture/destruction from deployment. Each end of the device requires a closure to contain the filler material.