E-Track Cargo Bar Retainer With Sliding Lock Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing load bars in transportation trailers are inadequate, as they are prone to damage and often forgotten during loading and unloading due to loose storage, and existing solutions like ropes or cords are insufficient in preventing movement and damage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an elongate rigid member with E-Track connectors and a slideable collar with a lock mechanism, allowing for secure attachment to E-Track rails and adjustable length, to effectively hold load bars in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ropes or cords are used to secure load bars to the trailer wall, then the load bars can be stored within the trailer, but the load bars are not sufficiently secured and can still slide or move during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The securing system is divided into multiple components: an elongate rigid member that spans between E-Track rails, a collar that can be positioned at different locations along the rigid member, and a lock mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to provide both secure restraint and adjustability, overcoming the limitation of simple ropes or cords that cannot prevent sliding.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed to be slideable along the elongate rigid member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the securing position to accommodate different load bar lengths and positions. The lock mechanism then freezes this dynamic positioning, providing both flexibility during setup and rigid securing during transport.
2Ease of operation
If load bars are stored loosely within the trailer, then they are easily accessible, but they are prone to damage by impacts and may be forgotten on the loading dock
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions load bars against the trailer wall in a designated secured location, rather than allowing them to be placed anywhere. The collar and lock mechanism are pre-configured to restrain the load bars, ensuring they are secured before transport begins. This preliminary securing action prevents both impact damage and the risk of being forgotten on the loading dock.
3Reliability
If a rigid securing structure is used to prevent load bar movement, then securing effectiveness is improved, but the system becomes more complex and less adaptable to different load bar positions
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to be slideable along the elongate rigid member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the securing position to accommodate different load bar lengths and positions. The lock mechanism then freezes this dynamic positioning, providing both flexibility during setup and rigid securing during transport.
4Device complexity
If the elongate rigid member is fixed in length, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate different spacing between E-Track rails or different load bar sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate rigid member is segmented into telescoping sections that can be extended or retracted to accommodate different spacing between E-Track rails. This segmentation maintains relative structural simplicity while providing the necessary adaptability for different configurations.
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 apparatus securely fastens load bars to the trailer wall, preventing damage and ensuring they are not left behind during operations, by providing a rigid and adjustable solution that fits within the E-Track system.
Implementation Method 1
The lock may comprise a pad frictionally engageable against the elongate rigid member
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for securing objects to a transportation trailer wall. The apparatus comprises an elongate rigid member extending between first and second ends and a first E-Track connector at the first end of the elongate rigid member. The apparatus further comprises a second E-Track connector at the second end of the elongate rigid member and a collar slidably moveable along the elongate rigid member having a lock adapted to selectably lock the collar at a desired location therealong. The method comprises securing the apparatus to the trailer wall, locating at least one object to be secured between the elongate rigid member and the trailer wall, slideably positioning a collar along the elongate rigid member to secure the at least one object and engaging a lock on the collar to fix the location of the collar.