Cross-Aperture Connector Anchor for Multi-Direction Buckle Clip Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing E-Track connectors require multiple anchors with different aperture orientations, increasing material and labor costs, as they can only accommodate buckle clips in specific orientations, limiting flexibility and efficiency in securing cargo.

Innovation Solution

A connector anchor with cross-shaped apertures that allow buckle clips to be oriented in two different directions, enabling flexible attachment options and reducing the need for multiple anchors by allowing horizontal, vertical, or angled mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple load rails with different aperture orientations are used to accommodate different orientations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and material cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture orientation compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of connector anchors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector anchor is designed with a single aperture that can accept buckle clips in multiple orientations (horizontal, vertical, and angled), making it a universal anchor that replaces the need for multiple specialized anchors with different aperture orientations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The aperture is designed with sufficient vertical clearance to accommodate buckle clips inserted from different angles and orientations, adding an dimensional flexibility that allows the same aperture to serve multiple orientation functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connector anchors with different aperture orientations are installed, then the adaptability is improved, but the installation time and labor cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting orientation flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The single multi-functional aperture accepts buckle clips in multiple orientations, eliminating the need to install multiple specialized anchors and reducing installation time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connector anchors are used to provide different aperture orientations, then the adaptability is improved, but the material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation diversityVSAvoidnumber of connector anchors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

One universal connector anchor with a specially designed aperture replaces multiple specialized anchors, reducing material cost while maintaining orientation diversity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of multiple anchors with different aperture orientations are merged into a single anchor that can accommodate all orientations through its vertically-oriented aperture design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9415716B2Connector having multiple direction connectivity

Publication Date: 2016.08.16 WINSTON PRODS LLC

AI summary

A connector has at least one aperture for receiving a buckle clip. The aperture has two crossed aperture extent portions. Each aperture extent portion has a different orientation such that the buckle clip received within the at least one aperture can be at one of two different orientations.