Elastic Tie-Down Cleat Connector for Secure Rope Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting ropes, straps, and other articles to tie-down cleats require expertise, are hazardous, and often necessitate additional attachments or tools, leading to delays and safety concerns when securing boats or loads.
Innovation Solution
A device with elastic material horn openings that can be resiliently stretched to securely attach and detach from tie-down cleats, eliminating the need for complex knots or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knot-tying methods are used to connect ropes to tie-down cleats, then secure connection is achieved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cleat connector as an intermediary device between the rope and the tie-down cleat. This connector features a body with a rope receiving chamber and two arm members that can be placed around the cleat horns. The intermediary connector simplifies the connection process by eliminating the need for complex knot-tying while maintaining secure attachment through its mechanical design that engages with the cleat structure.
2Reliability
If ropes are tightly wrapped around cleats for secure connection, then connection reliability improves, but safety hazards increase due to potential finger injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat connector serves as a protective intermediary that eliminates direct hand contact with the rope during tightening operations. The connector's structure allows the rope to be secured within its receiving chamber without requiring hands to be near the tightly wrapped rope sections, thereby preventing finger pinching and other hand injuries while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows for self-adjusting and self-securing mechanisms where the rope can be tightened and secured without requiring manual manipulation near dangerous areas. The arm members and receiving chamber work together to automatically engage and secure the rope, reducing the need for hazardous manual operations.
3Reliability
If additional attachments or tools are used for connecting articles to cleats, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat connector is designed as a universal device that can connect various types of articles (ropes, straps, bungee cords, netting, covers, wraps, and accessories) to standard tie-down cleats. The connector's design with a rope receiving chamber and arm members that accommodate cleat horns creates a multi-functional solution that eliminates the need for specialized tools or attachments for different connection scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated connector device. The body with rope receiving chamber, the arm members for engaging cleat horns, and the attachment point for articles are merged into one component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate tools or multiple attachment devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable connections.
4Reliability
If complex knot-tying methods are used for securing loads, then connection security improves, but productivity decreases due to time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat connector as an intermediary device enables rapid connection by eliminating the time-consuming process of tying complex knots. The connector can be quickly positioned around the cleat horns and the rope can be rapidly secured within its receiving chamber, significantly reducing the time required for loading and unloading operations while maintaining secure load attachment.
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
Provides a simple, safe, and efficient method for connecting articles to tie-down cleats, reducing the risk of injury and delays, while allowing for quick and secure attachment and detachment without requiring expertise or additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the body comprises an elastic material so that the body can be resiliently stretched for selectively inserting the opposed horns into the horn openings to secure the body to the tie-down cleat and resiliently stretched for selectively removing the opposed horns out of the horn openings to remove the body from the tie-down cleat
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device is provided for removably connecting an article to a tie-down cleat having a pair of opposed horns each with each horn having a free end. The articles can be ropes, straps, bungee cords, netting, covers, wraps, accessories, and the like. The connection device includes a body having a pair of horn openings each configured for receiving one of the opposed horns therein. The horn openings are coaxial and spaced apart a distance less than a distance between the free ends of the horns. At least a portion of the body is formed of an elastic material so that the body can be resiliently stretched for selectively inserting the opposed horns into the horn openings to secure the connection device to the tie-down cleat and resiliently stretched for selectively removing the opposed horns out of the horn openings to remove the connection device from the tie-down cleat.