Flexible Tie-Down Anchor Device for Cargo Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailers and sleds lack an appropriate surface to anchor tie-down implements, leading to loose and potentially damaged cargo during transport, especially on rough surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A tie-down anchor device with a flexible, inelastic extension body and a loop body, attached via an assembly that allows secure mounting to a trailer or sled floor, providing a surface for tie-down implements to secure cargo effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional trailers or sleds are used with a large containment space, then cargo capacity is improved, but cargo stability deteriorates due to loose arrangement and movement on rough surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cargo securing function into discrete anchor points distributed throughout the containment space. Multiple anchor devices are positioned at different locations on the floor, allowing cargo to be segmented and secured at multiple points rather than relying on a single securing location, thereby maintaining stability while preserving large containment volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor devices are pre-installed and permanently positioned on the floor of the trailer or sled before cargo is loaded. This preliminary placement of securing points allows for rapid and effective cargo stabilization without requiring time-consuming setup during loading or transport operations.
2Ease of operation
If tie down implements are loosely attached to random edges or surfaces, then ease of attachment is improved, but securing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tying mechanism is segmented into two distinct components: permanently installed anchor devices with loop bodies positioned at optimal locations, and removable tie-down implements. This segmentation allows the anchor points to be pre-positioned for reliability while the tie-down implements provide ease of attachment and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop body on the anchor device serves as an intermediary element between the floor structure and the tie-down implement. It provides a dedicated, reliable attachment point that is easy to engage with the tie-down implement while ensuring secure connection, eliminating the need to attach to random edges or surfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional trailer designs without dedicated anchor surfaces are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but cargo securement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device serves multiple functions: it provides a secure attachment point for tie-down implements, maintains flexibility to accommodate different cargo sizes and orientations, and can be installed on various floor types. This multi-functionality adds cargo securement capability without requiring complex specialized structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop body is constructed from flexible material that can bend and adapt to different cargo configurations while maintaining its attachment function. This flexibility allows the same anchor device to effectively secure various item sizes and orientations without requiring multiple different anchor types.
Data Source
AI summary
A tie down anchor device useful, for example, in providing a securement surface for holding cargo within a sled or trailer via a strap or other tie down implement. The tie down anchor device includes an extension body, an attachment assembly, and a loop body. The extension body is flexible but substantially inelastic, formed from a fabric material. The attachment assembly is configured for removably mounting the anchor device to a surface, and is connected to a trailing section of the extension body. The loop body is movably maintained by a leading section of the extension body. With this configuration, upon mounting of the anchor device to a surface (e.g., floor of a sled), the loop body is readily available for connection to an end of a tie down implement (e.g., a hook provided with a rubber strap).