Removable Chain Attachment Insert Anti-Rotation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hitch socket designs for pickup trucks are complex and prone to failure, leading to higher manufacturing costs and increased risk of the T-bolt inadvertently rotating and disconnecting from the socket when used for safety chains or tie-down structures.

Innovation Solution

A chain attachment insert with a T-bolt head and neck that includes a hole for an interference peg, which prevents rotation by resting within the socket, and a lock secures the peg in place, allowing independent attachment and detachment from the socket without interfering with chain or hook usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing removable safety chain tie down constructions are used to prevent T-bolt rotation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of T-bolt inadvertent rotationVSAvoidcomplexity of anti-rotation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple, inexpensive interference peg made of basic material that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This disposable-like component provides reliable anti-rotation function without the complexity of sophisticated mechanical systems, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential anti-rotation function from complex existing mechanisms and implements it through a single, simple interference peg component. By taking out only the necessary element (the peg) rather than using entire complex assemblies, the patent achieves reliability without excessive device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If existing complex anti-rotation structures are implemented, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of T-bolt inadvertent rotationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of anti-rotation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The interference peg is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be manufactured at low cost using basic processes. This approach provides reliable anti-rotation protection without the high manufacturing costs associated with complex mechanical systems, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The interference peg automatically performs its anti-rotation function simply by being inserted into the socket, without requiring additional power sources, actuators, or complex control mechanisms. This self-service capability eliminates the need for expensive manufactured systems while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the T-bolt is allowed to rotate freely in the socket, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to rotate T-bolt for attachmentVSAvoidprevention of inadvertent disconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interference peg creates an asymmetric constraint system where the T-bolt can rotate freely in one direction (for attachment operations) but is blocked from rotating in the opposite direction (preventing disconnection). This asymmetric design simultaneously provides ease of operation for intended use and reliability for preventing accidents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The interference peg is pre-installed in the socket to create preliminary anti-rotation action. This pre-positioned component automatically prevents inadvertent disconnection before it can occur, while still allowing the T-bolt to rotate freely for proper attachment operations, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS9452647B2Removable chain attachment insert

Publication Date: 2016.09.27 CURT MFG LLC

AI summary

A chain attachment insert has a body with a flat underside, and provides an open loop chain attachment for receiving a chain or hook in a socket in the bed of a truck. A T-bolt portion of the chain attachment insert is received in the socket. A hole through the body extends parallel to the axis of rotation defined by the T-bolt portion, and an interference peg is vertically slidable into the hole after rotation of the chain attachment insert relative to the socket. The interference peg then rests with a portion of the interference peg in the socket to interfere with and prevent the chain attachment insert from rotating relative to the socket. A lock secures the interference peg within the hole in the body.