Detachable Tie-Down With Magnetic or Suction Surface Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cargo securing devices require existing anchors on surfaces, which limits their use on surfaces without anchors or where permanent anchors are undesirable.

Innovation Solution

A securing device comprising a frame with an anchor, a tether, and an attachment device, such as a magnet or suction cup, allowing attachment to planar surfaces without pre-existing anchors, featuring adjustable tethers and a buckle for secure object retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional cargo securing devices with hooks and loops are used, then cargo can be secured to existing anchors, but the device cannot be attached to surfaces without pre-existing anchors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface attachment capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic attachment device as an intermediary between the cargo securing device and the surface. This magnet-based intermediary enables attachment to ferrous surfaces without requiring pre-existing anchors, hooks, or loops, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical anchoring system (hooks, loops, and anchors) with a magnetic attachment system. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical interlocking components and pre-existing surface anchors, achieving both simplified device structure and enhanced surface adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If permanent anchors are affixed to surfaces, then cargo securing devices can be attached, but surface damage occurs and permanent modification is made

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical anchoring systems that require drilling, screwing, or otherwise permanently modifying surfaces with a magnetic attachment system. This substitution provides reliable attachment through magnetic force while completely avoiding surface damage and permanent modification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic attachment device can be easily removed and repositioned without leaving damage on the surface. The system allows for temporary attachment that can be discarded or recovered without harm to the underlying surface, contrasting with permanent anchors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If adjustable tethers with buckles are used, then tension can be controlled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension adjustmentVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable tethers with buckles that allow dynamic tension control. The adjustable nature of the tether system enables users to modify tension levels based on cargo requirements, while the buckle mechanism provides a simple, intuitive interface that balances operational ease with acceptable device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables secure attachment of cargo to surfaces without existing anchors, providing adjustable tension and preventing surface damage, with options for varying attachment forces and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

The attachment device is coupled to the frame, and is configured to be removably attached directly to a planar surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The attachment device can further include a ferrous shell, which is configured to increase the pulling force of the magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field concentration: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11932161B2Detachable tie down

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 JAMES JR LEWIS WILLIAM

AI summary

A novel securing device includes a frame having an anchor, a tether coupled to the anchor, and an attachment device coupled to the frame. The attachment device is configured to facilitate selective attachment to a planar surface. In a particular embodiment, the attachment device is a magnetic attachment device. Optionally, the magnetic attachment device is encased between the frame and a cover that prevents scratching of the planar surface to which the device is secured. In another particular embodiment, the attachment device is a suction cup. The magnetic attachment device and the suction cup may be interchangeable.