Hinged Cargo Tie-Down Cleat for Tool-Free Keyway Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo tie-down systems are inflexible and require tools for installation, limiting their placement options and potentially interfering with cargo in the vehicle bed.
Innovation Solution
A removable retaining apparatus with a base member and cleat that slidingly engages a keyway hole on a fixed plate, combined with a locking member hinged to the base member, allowing for secure attachment and adjustable positioning without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent tie-down attachments are used, then cargo can be securely tied down, but the attachments require tools for installation and are inflexible in placement locations
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-down system is divided into separate components: a base member with cleat that can be independently positioned, and a locking member that secures it to the fixed plate. This segmentation allows the base member to be moved to different locations along the keyway without requiring tool installation, while still providing reliable cargo securing when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to pivot between a locked position (securing the base member to the fixed plate) and an unlocked position (allowing the base member to be moved). This dynamic capability enables the system to transition from a fixed, tool-installed state to a flexible, repositionable state, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Reliability
If permanent tie-down attachments are used, then cargo can be securely tied down, but the attachments interfere with cargo stored in the cargo bed
Solution Approach 1:
The base member can be positioned at various locations along the keyway hole, effectively utilizing the linear dimension of the keyway to provide multiple placement options. This allows the tie-down attachment point to be moved to locations that do not interfere with cargo storage, while maintaining secure tying capability when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable retaining apparatus is used, then placement flexibility is improved, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The neck portion acts as an intermediary element that connects the base member to the locking member and engages with the keyway. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall mechanism by providing a straightforward sliding engagement system, reducing the complexity that would otherwise result from making the entire apparatus removable and repositionable.
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
Enables flexible and tool-free attachment of cargo tie-downs to various locations within the cargo bed, preventing cargo shift during transport and accommodating different cargo sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a locking member coupled to the base member by a hinge. The locking member defines a disengaged position spaced from the fixed plate and is pivotable to an engaged position to secure the apparatus to the fixed plate
Implementation Method 2
A neck portion connects the backing portion to the cleat and slidingly engages a keyway hole in the fixed plate
Implementation Method 3
a base member having a backing portion engaging a first side of a fixed plate and a cleat engaging a second side of the fixed plate
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining apparatus includes a base member having a backing portion engaging a first side of a fixed plate and a cleat engaging a second side of the fixed plate. A neck portion connects the backing portion to the cleat and slidingly engages a keyway hole in the fixed plate. The retaining apparatus also includes a locking member coupled to the base member by a hinge. The locking member defines a disengaged position spaced from the fixed plate and is pivotable to an engaged position to secure the apparatus to the fixed plate.