Floor-Mounted Cart Securement With Adjustable Track Stopper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cart securement systems in cargo compartments are inefficient, requiring time-consuming strap management and are not adjustable to varying cart positions, often consuming space and being incompatible with carts that maximize cargo volume.

Innovation Solution

A floor-mounted securement system using tracks and stopper assemblies that allow adjustable, tool-free securing of carts, minimizing space usage and accommodating varying cart positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wall-mounted securement systems are used to secure carts, then cart stability is improved, but space utilization deteriorates because they consume wall space and are incompatible with carts that extend wall-to-wall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecart stabilityVSAvoidcargo space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mounting securement systems on the walls, the patent inverts the approach by mounting the securement system on the floor. The track is attached to the floor and the stopper assembly engages with the cart from below, providing stable securing without consuming wall space or interfering with wall-to-wall cart placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional wall-mounted approach to a three-dimensional floor-mounted approach. The track lies flat on the floor surface while the stopper assembly engages vertically with the cart, utilizing the vertical dimension for securing while maintaining minimal footprint on the cargo floor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional strap systems are used to secure carts, then cart positioning is achieved, but loading and unloading time increases due to time-consuming strap management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecart positioningVSAvoidloading and unloading time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper assembly is designed to be self-contained with an integrated locking mechanism that automatically engages and disengages. The spring-loaded plunger with detent mechanism provides automatic locking when the cart reaches the desired position, eliminating the need for manual strap tightening and management operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical operation of strap tightening, threading, and securing with a simple mechanical engagement system. The stopper assembly uses a spring-loaded plunger that automatically engages with the track's detent features, requiring minimal manual intervention compared to strap systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed securement systems are used, then installation simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because they cannot accommodate varying cart positions from trip to trip

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcart position accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper assembly is designed as a movable, adjustable unit that can be repositioned along the track. The locking mechanism allows the stopper to be freely moved to different positions and then locked into place, providing dynamic adaptability to accommodate varying cart positions while maintaining a simple fixed-track installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The securement system is segmented into a fixed track component and a movable stopper assembly. The track provides the fixed structural base for installation, while the stopper assembly can be independently repositioned along the track to accommodate different cart positions, separating the installation simplicity function from the adaptability function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If floor-mounted tracks are installed to minimize tripping hazards, then safety is improved, but the risk of tripping increases if the tracks create protrusions or obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidtripping hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The track is designed with a flat profile that conforms to the floor surface, and the stopper assembly engages vertically with minimal protrusion. The locking mechanism and engagement features are positioned to minimize obstacles on the floor surface, creating local areas of safety along the track path while maintaining overall floor clearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The securement system utilizes the vertical dimension for its primary securing function, with the track lying flat on the floor and the stopper assembly engaging from below. This vertical engagement approach minimizes horizontal protrusions and obstacles on the floor surface, reducing tripping hazards while maintaining effective cart securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250276634A1Floor-mounted cart securement system

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 ANCRA INTERNATIONAL CORPORATON

AI summary

A floor-mounted securement system can be used to secure carts in a cargo compartment or container (e.g., in the front-to-back direction of a cargo container). The system can include various components, such as one or more logistics tracks positioned along the floor of the cargo compartment. In addition, the system can include a stopper that can releasably attach to the logistics track and that can be slid along the track to change positions of the stopper.