Fastening Element for Belt Transport Flatbeds

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional fastening systems for motor vehicles on loading flatbeds suffer from localized deformations and reduced fastening force due to concentration of tension at small contact areas between universal hooks and oval holes, leading to decreased safety.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system with a reverse 'T' shaped fastening element and connecting girder that distributes tension by engaging with the flatbed's oval holes and structural parts, preventing concentration of forces and deformations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If universal hooks are used to fasten belts to oval holes, then the fastening system is simple and easy to operate, but the contact area is very small causing high tension concentration and localized deformations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fastening operationVSAvoidlocalized deformation of oval holes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A wooden block is introduced as an intermediary element between the belt and the oval hole. The block has a through-hole that receives the oval hole, creating a larger contact area that distributes tension and prevents localized deformations of the sheet metal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system transitions from direct point-contact (hook to oval hole) to distributed surface-contact by adding the wooden block dimension. The block's through-hole interface distributes the force over a larger area, converting concentrated stress into distributed stress

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If simple hooks are used for fastening, then the device complexity is low, but the fastening force decreases due to tension concentration at contact points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of fastening deviceVSAvoidfastening force
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The wooden block serves as a mediator that enhances the fastening force by distributing tension across its surface area rather than concentrating it at a single point, thereby increasing the effective holding capacity without significantly complicating the device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Force

If high forces are applied through small contact areas, then the fastening system can handle heavy loads, but permanent deformations occur in the sheet next to the oval holes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening force capacityVSAvoidfastening safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wooden block acts as a protective intermediary that absorbs and distributes high forces across its material structure, preventing the transmission of concentrated stresses to the sheet metal and oval holes, thereby maintaining fastening safety under heavy load conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wooden block provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned between the belt and the oval hole before loading occurs. Its material properties allow it to cushion and distribute the impending forces, preventing damage to the sheet structure before it can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3597481B1Fastening system for holding belts
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 ROLFO
  • EP3597481B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3597481B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3597481B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fastening system (1) for holding belts (3) is described, aimed in particular to be used for transporting motor vehicles on loading flatbeds (5) comprising one or more through-openings (51), comprising at least one fastening element (10) interposed between at least one belt (3) and the flatbed (5), the fastening element (1) being equipped with at least one fastening portion (11) and with at least one connection or transmission portion (13) of said belt (3), the fastening element (10) being able to pass from a first operating position in which the fastening portion (11) is passing through at least one opening (51) to a second operating position in which the fastening portion (11) is prevented from going out from the opening (51), and vice versa.