Elastic Tie Down Strap With Interlocking Hook Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tie down strap assemblies lack the ability to adjustably provide multiple secure anchor points, making it difficult to accommodate objects of varying dimensions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tie down strap assembly featuring elastic material straps with detachable hook assemblies that include engaging and hook portions, allowing for interlocking and secure attachment to multiple points along the strap, enabling adjustable anchoring and tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional tie down strap assembly with fixed anchor points is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate objects of varying dimensions effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The tie down strap is divided into multiple segments with evenly spaced bores along its length. The hook assembly can engage with different bores to create variable anchor points, allowing the same strap to accommodate objects of different dimensions by selecting appropriate bore positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook assembly is designed to be movable along the strap and detachably engage with different bores. This dynamic positioning capability allows the anchor points to be adjusted based on the size and shape of the cargo, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed anchor points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed anchor points are provided on the strap, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly serves multiple functions: it can engage with different bores to create various anchor points, it can be positioned at different locations along the strap, and it can be detached and reattached as needed. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple fixed anchor points and associated hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap itself provides the anchor point structure through its integrated bores, eliminating the need for separate anchor point components. The hook assembly utilizes these pre-formed bores directly, allowing the strap to serve its own anchoring function without additional hardware.
3Ease of operation
If the hook assembly is designed to engage multiple bores, then adjustability improves, but the engaging portion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging portion is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be independently positioned and attached to different bores. This extraction of the engagement mechanism from the strap body allows for simple, tool-free adjustment by simply detaching and reattaching the hook assembly at different locations.
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
The solution provides a flexible and adjustable fastening system that can securely anchor objects of different sizes by allowing multiple interlocking configurations, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of the tie down strap assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The strap is formed of an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A tie down strap assembly includes a strap and first and second hook assemblies disposed at respective opposing ends of the strap. The strap is formed of an elastic material. The strap defines a plurality of bores arranged along a length of the strap. Each of the first and second hook assemblies includes an engaging portion and a hook portion extending from the engaging portion. The engaging portion includes first and second sides. The engaging portion defines an opening extending through the first and second sides. The first side includes a mouth defining an aperture to receive a portion of the strap therethrough. The second side includes a boss configured to securely engage one bore of the plurality of bores of the strap. The hook portion is detachably couplable to the engaging portion of the other one of the first and second hook assemblies to interlock the first and second hook assemblies together.