Vehicle Cover Anchor Retainer for Adjustable Wind Hold-Down
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cover securing devices lack adjustability, portability, and often damage the cover due to piercing elements, leading to fatigue and failure.
Innovation Solution
A cover securing device comprising a body with a ball member, a connector, and a retainer, which allows for adjustable and removable attachment to an anchor without damaging the cover, using soft materials to prevent scratching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tie downs are used to hold down the cover, then the cover can be secured to the vehicle, but the tie downs are difficult to use and do not allow for adjustability in holding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The cover securing device incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the hold-down force to be dynamically modified. The device includes a ratchet and reel assembly that enables the user to adjust the tension and positioning of the cover, transforming a static tie-down system into a dynamic, adaptable one that can accommodate different cover sizes and wind conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing device is divided into functional segments: a reel assembly for winding the cover, a ratchet mechanism for maintaining tension, and an anchor portion for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall adjustability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If cover anchoring devices with teeth or piercing elements are used, then the cover can be clamped to the vehicle, but the piercing elements may damage the cover over time, resulting in ripping and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces a soft, non-piercing intermediary mechanism between the anchor and the cover. Instead of using teeth or sharp elements that directly contact and damage the cover material, the system uses a reel and ratchet assembly with a flexible strap that distributes pressure evenly, preventing localized stress concentrations that lead to ripping and failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing device utilizes flexible straps and soft materials to contact the cover surface. These flexible elements conform to the cover shape and distribute clamping forces across a larger area, avoiding the concentrated stress from rigid piercing elements while maintaining secure attachment.
3Force
If conventional hold-down devices are used, then the cover can be secured, but the devices do not allow for adjustability of hold-down force
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet and reel mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the hold-down force. The user can incrementally wind the reel to increase tension or loosen it to decrease tension, while the ratchet prevents backward movement, maintaining the selected force level. This creates a controllable, adjustable force system rather than a fixed one.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows the user to change the mechanical parameters of the securing system by adjusting the reel position and ratchet engagement point. This changes the leverage and tension distribution, enabling the same device to provide different hold-down forces suitable for various cover weights and wind conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover securing device or system for attaching a cover to an anchor. The cover securing system can include a body with a ball member, a connector engageable with the anchor, and a retainer for removably securing the cover with the ball member. The present technology allows for secure attachment to prevent blowoff of the cover during high winds or sever weather, as well as providing a quick and easy mounting and dismounting of the cover to the anchor. The body can be made of two attachable body members that securely fit together to secure a connector strap therebetween. The connector can be associated with the connector strap.