Cargo Securing Device with Undercut Engagement Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo securing devices for transport vehicles require laborious movement and installation in longitudinal grooves, often damaging the cargo floor and lacking flexibility in positioning.

Innovation Solution

A cargo securing device with a clamping mechanism featuring an adapter element and actuating element that allows engagement with the groove's undercut via twisting, pivoting, or displacement, enabling secure anchoring without a pre-cut groove and easy repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a groove cutout is provided for immersion in the longitudinal groove, then the securing device can be installed in the longitudinal groove, but the device requires laborious movement to the desired position after immersion and may damage the cargo floor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation easeVSAvoidTime for positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement means are designed to be movable relative to the adapter element, transitioning from an immersion position for easy insertion into the longitudinal groove to an engagement position that locks behind the undercut. This dynamic configuration allows the device to be inserted at any position without pre-cut grooves and then securely locked in place, eliminating the need for laborious post-installation positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the engagement means are rigidly fixed in the adapter element, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot be easily inserted into the longitudinal groove at any desired position

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePositioning flexibilityVSAvoidStructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement means are designed to be movable relative to the adapter element, transitioning from an immersion position for easy insertion into the longitudinal groove to an engagement position that locks behind the undercut. This dynamic configuration allows the device to be inserted at any position without pre-cut grooves and then securely locked in place, eliminating the need for laborious post-installation positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple clamping mechanisms are used, then the anchoring quality is improved, but the device weight and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAnchoring qualityVSAvoidDevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is divided into two independent engagement means that can be inserted and engaged separately. This segmentation allows each engagement means to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability. The modular design enables the use of multiple engagement points without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the engagement means are moved by a housing surrounding the adapter element, then the engagement means can be pushed apart to reach engagement position, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEngagement easeVSAvoidMechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement means are spring-loaded, allowing them to automatically move from the immersion position to the engagement position when inserted into the longitudinal groove. The spring force automatically pushes the engagement means apart to engage behind the undercut without requiring external actuation, eliminating the need for complex housing mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2705983B1Device for securing loads
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 CIMC SILVERGREEN GMBH
  • EP2705983B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2705983B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2705983B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The securing device (14) has a longitudinal groove (27) with one undercut (30), where a fixing element is provided for the direct or indirect fixation of a cargo. A clamping mechanism (38) is connected to the fixing element, where the clamping mechanism includes an adapter element (31), an engagement unit (37) and an actuating element. The engagement unit is insertable into the longitudinal groove. The engagement unit of the adapter element is non-positively and positively engageable with the undercut of the longitudinal groove by using the actuating element.