Carabiner With Cantilever Spring Gate For Utility Vehicle Cargo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current utility vehicles lack versatile and secure attachment options for cargo, as closed loop tie downs require additional components and grocery hooks are prone to detachment under driving conditions, limiting their load-bearing capacity and usability.
Innovation Solution
A new carabiner design featuring a gate with a cantilever spring, integrated pivots, and a mounting system that includes a hook and concave housing for secure attachment to vehicle trim panels, allowing for enhanced load-bearing capacity and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If closed loop tie down anchors are used, then cargo attachment is possible, but additional components (line, rope, strap, clipping hook) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hook, gate, and cantilever spring into a single integrated carabiner assembly. The gate is pivotally connected to the hook body, and the cantilever spring is integrated into the gate structure, eliminating the need for separate line, rope, strap, or clipping hook components while maintaining cargo attachment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The carabiner design serves multiple functions within a single device: the hook provides the anchoring point, the gate enables opening and closing for attachment/detachment of cargo, and the cantilever spring provides both the closing force and a tactile indicator of gate position. This multi-functional integration replaces multiple separate components
2Ease of operation
If grocery hooks are used, then attachment is possible, but they detach spontaneously under road and driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is designed with a curved, J-shaped configuration that provides a natural cradle for cargo attachments. This curvature geometry helps prevent spontaneous detachment by creating a mechanical interlock that resists forces generated during road and driving conditions, unlike straight or simple hook designs
Solution Approach 2:
The cantilever spring is engineered with specific material properties and geometric parameters (length, thickness, curvature) that optimize its elastic behavior. By adjusting these parameters, the spring provides sufficient closing force to maintain secure attachment while accommodating the dynamic forces encountered during vehicle operation
3Ease of operation
If grocery hooks are used, then attachment is possible, but they withstand very limited loads
Solution Approach 1:
The carabiner assembly is constructed from materials optimized for strength and durability, such as molded polypropylene or reinforced plastics. This material selection enables the structure to withstand significantly higher loads compared to traditional grocery hooks, while maintaining ease of operation through the spring-loaded gate mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The curved geometry of the hook and gate distributes applied loads more effectively throughout the structure. This curvature design prevents stress concentration at single points, allowing the carabiner to handle heavier cargo loads while maintaining structural integrity and operational ease
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 carabiner provides a secure and versatile attachment solution for utility vehicles, enabling secure attachment of items without the need for additional components and resisting detachment under various driving conditions, thus enhancing the vehicle's cargo management capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a gate (14) including a cantilever spring (18)
Data Source
AI summary
A carabiner includes a (a) a hook, (b) a gate including a cantilever spring and (c) a first pivot connecting the gate to the hook. A second pivot also connects the distal or free end of the cantilever spring to the hook.