Retrofitting Chain Tie Down Systems to Parallel Shaft Strap Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing chain tie down systems in vehicle transport trailers are not easily convertible to strap tie down systems, leading to a need for costly new equipment and loss of infinite adjustability and self-locking functionality.

Innovation Solution

A method for retrofitting chain tie down systems to parallel shaft strap tie down systems by affixing a first parallel shaft adjacent to the central shaft and using shaft plates to allow radial movement, enabling the conversion of chain tie down systems to strap tie down systems while maintaining infinite adjustability and self-locking action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If chain tie down systems are converted to strap tie down systems using traditional methods (welding rigid rods), then strap tie down functionality is achieved, but the system complexity increases and infinite adjustability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap tie down functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable parallel shaft as an intermediary component between the central shaft and the strap. This parallel shaft acts as a mediator that enables strap routing while maintaining adjustability, avoiding the need for complex welded rod structures with fixed gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a movable parallel shaft that can be adjusted radially relative to the central shaft. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain infinite adjustability while accommodating strap routing, contrasting with the static rigid rod approach that creates fixed gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If rigid rods are welded parallel to the original shaft to create fixed gaps for strap passage, then strap routing is enabled, but the adjustability is reduced to incremental adjustments only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap routing capabilityVSAvoidadjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The parallel shaft is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned at various radial distances from the central shaft. This dynamic positioning enables continuous adjustment of the strap path, preserving infinite adjustability while facilitating strap routing through the gap between the shafts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing chain tie down systems are converted to strap systems, then equipment versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion system is divided into separate, modular components: the movable parallel shaft, the shaft plates for attachment, and the strap routing mechanism. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly compared to welding rigid rods, as each component can be produced independently and assembled without complex welding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8061941B2Method for retrofitting a chain tie down system to parallel shaft strap tie down system

Publication Date: 2011.11.22 COTTRELL INC

AI summary

A method for retrofitting chain tie down systems to strap tie down systems. Exemplary embodiments include a method for retrofitting a chain tie down apparatus to a strap tie down apparatus, the chain tie down apparatus having a central shaft, the method including affixing a first parallel shaft adjacent the central shaft and affixing shaft plates to the central shaft, wherein the first parallel shaft is radially moveable with respect to the central shaft.