Cargo Rail Fitting With Positive Locking for Longitudinal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for securing cargo on vehicle loading areas lack a robust and reliable mechanism to ensure longitudinal stability and secure positioning of loads against movement parallel to the securing rail.
Innovation Solution
A fitting designed to engage with the edges of a securing rail, featuring two opposing engagement sections and a tensioning device that creates a displacement of the fitting relative to the rail, resulting in a positive engagement between positioning elements and aids on the rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a frictional connection between two sections of the fitting and the rail profile is used to secure the fitting to the rail, then the fitting can be secured to the rail, but the connection lacks positive engagement and longitudinal stability
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into two opposing engagement sections that can be independently positioned on opposite sides of the rail. This segmentation allows each section to contribute to the overall locking mechanism, with one section providing the primary frictional connection and the other providing the positioning element that engages with the positioning aid, thereby achieving reliable longitudinal stability without requiring a single complex engagement mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
A positioning aid is introduced as an intermediary element between the fitting and the rail. This positioning aid features a positioning surface that receives the positioning element from the fitting, creating a positive engagement interface. This intermediary mechanism transforms the simple frictional connection into a reliable positive connection with longitudinal stability
2Reliability
If a lever arrangement with locking elements moving into locking openings is used, then the fitting can be locked to the rail, but the mechanism requires complex lever arrangements and multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The complex lever arrangement and multiple locking elements are extracted and replaced by a simplified mechanism. Only one engagement section requires actuation to position both engagement sections simultaneously. The positioning element is automatically positioned by the tensioning action, eliminating the need for separate lever mechanisms and multiple locking openings
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device serves multiple functions: it tensions the fitting away from the rail to create frictional engagement, and simultaneously positions the positioning element onto the positioning aid. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable locking
3Adaptability or versatility
If two-part fitting with toothing for position adjustment is used, then the position of the second part can be adjusted relative to the first part, but the mechanism lacks robust positive engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism operates in a different dimensional approach compared to traditional toothing systems. Instead of using interlocking teeth in the same plane, the positioning element engages with the positioning aid through a tensioning action that creates engagement in a perpendicular dimension. This provides robust positive engagement while maintaining position adjustability along the rail
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 a robust and reliable method for securing loads by establishing a positive connection between the fitting and the securing rail, preventing movement parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail.
Implementation Method 1
it tensions the fitting away from the safety rail in a tensioning direction... By pushing the fitting away from the tensioning device, engagement sections are pressed against the first edge and the second edge of the securing rail
Implementation Method 2
it generates a displacement of the fitting relative to the securing rail, which results in the first engagement section being moved towards the first edge of the securing rail
Data Source
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AI summary
A fitting for securing cargo to a securing rail on the loading platform of a vehicle is described and claimed. The securing rail has a first edge and a second edge extending longitudinally. The fitting engages the first edge by means of a first engagement section and the second edge by means of a second engagement section. A clamping device tensions the fitting perpendicularly away from the securing rail such that the engagement of the second engagement section with the second edge of the securing rail moves the first engagement section perpendicular to the clamping direction and the longitudinal direction towards the first edge. This causes a positioning element formed on the first engagement section to be pressed into a positioning aid formed on the first edge, thereby fixing the position of the fitting on the securing rail.Furthermore, a system consisting of a fitting and a safety rail is presented and claimed.