Cargo Locking Bar With Flexible Claws For Side Pressure Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking bars for securing loads in cargo spaces lack stability and effective frictional engagement, particularly under side pressure, relying solely on clamping force rather than a stable design.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of flexible elements such as rotating clamping claws or pivoting clamping elements with spring pressure to create a frictional connection with the holder, which increases engagement when side pressure is applied, utilizing a swivel fork that can pivot to narrow the slot width and enhance the frictional connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking bar uses only clamping force to secure a holder, then the structure remains simple, but stability under side pressure is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability under side pressureVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bar incorporates flexible elements that can dynamically adapt to side pressure. When lateral force is applied, the flexible elements deform and increase frictional engagement with the holder, providing automatic stabilization without requiring complex mechanical structures. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability under varying load conditions while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the locking bar elements from rigid to flexible, allowing them to undergo elastic deformation. This parameter change enables the elements to increase their frictional contact area and pressure with the holder when side pressure is applied, thereby improving stability without adding complex mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If flexible elements are added to increase frictional connection, then engagement stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible elements are integrated directly into the locking bar structure itself, merging the functions of the locking mechanism and the friction-increasing elements into a single unified component. This integration approach improves engagement stability through enhanced frictional connection while avoiding the need for separate additional components, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible elements within the locking bar that can deform elastically to increase surface contact and friction with the holder. These flexible components are designed to provide the necessary frictional engagement while maintaining a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between improved reliability and increased complexity by using flexible materials rather than adding multiple rigid components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If clamping claws with teeth are used to increase friction, then resistance to side pressure improves, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to side pressureVSAvoidinsertion and removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping claws are designed with spring elements that provide dynamic engagement. During insertion, the spring allows the claws to flex and accommodate the holder easily. Once engaged, the spring force presses the teeth into the holder to provide strong resistance against side pressure. For removal, the spring mechanism allows easy release when the clamping force is relieved. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between high resistance to side pressure and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring elements in the clamping claws provide beforehand cushioning during the engagement process. The spring allows initial easy insertion by accommodating misalignments and then progressively engages the teeth with the holder. This cushioning effect facilitates easy operation during insertion while ensuring strong frictional engagement for resistance to side pressure during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution provides enhanced stability and securement of loads by increasing frictional engagement with the holder, preventing slipping under lateral pressure, and allowing for easy insertion and removal of the locking bar.

Implementation Method 1

the clamping element being pressable against the holder by a spring force F, 40

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a frictional connection with the holder can be created here by the plastic covering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1880900B1Blocking bar
Publication Date: 2011.11.30 ALLSAFE JUNGFALK
  • EP1880900B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1880900B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1880900B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A load securing bar for fitting inside a goods vehicle has an extruded construction (3) with grips at each end to secure onto fixed grips (1.1, 1.2) inside the vehicle. The grips include elastic grip profiles and a hinged fitting to ease the fitting and removal of the bar. One end of the bar has a clamping handle to secure the fitting. The elastic grips can be insert grip pads or can be part of the moulding of the grips.