Load Securing Device Support Element Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load securing devices for commercial vehicles are unable to reliably absorb and divert high tensile forces, leading to increased material and labor costs when attempting to secure heavier loads, and often compromise cargo space and loading efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an additional support element that is positioned adjacent to the indentation in the carrier profile, allowing for the dissipation of load securing forces without excessive material usage, and featuring a U-shaped lashing means with a support element that connects the legs and provides a larger cross-sectional area for force distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing load securing devices are used to absorb high tensile forces, then the reliability of load securing improves, but the material costs and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of load securingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a support element positioned beneath the carrier profile that distributes tensile forces into the third dimension (vertically downward), rather than relying solely on the horizontal strength of the carrier profile. This dimensional approach allows high forces to be absorbed without increasing the complexity of the carrier profile itself.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support element acts as an intermediary component between the carrier profile and the underlying structure. It mediates the force transmission by distributing loads from the lashing means through the carrier profile to the vehicle structure, enabling reliable load securing without requiring the carrier profile to be overly complex or strong.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If existing load securing devices are used to absorb high tensile forces, then the reliability of load securing improves, but the material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of load securingVSAvoidmaterial costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By distributing forces vertically through the support element into the vehicle structure, the patent reduces the need for excessive material in the carrier profile. The support element leverages the existing structural capacity of the vehicle body, minimizing additional material requirements while achieving high load-bearing capacity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support element as an intermediary allows the use of lighter, less expensive materials in the carrier profile by transferring critical load-bearing functions to a separate component that can be optimally positioned and anchored to the vehicle structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of stationary object

If the lashing means is partially arranged in a depression, then the cargo space is maximized, but the ability to absorb high tensile forces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo spaceVSAvoidtensile forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The support element positioned beneath the carrier profile redirects tensile forces into the vertical dimension, compensating for the reduced force absorption capacity of the depression-embedded lashing means. This allows the lashing means to be recessed for cargo space optimization while maintaining high force absorption through the support element.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support element serves as a mediator that decouples the cargo space optimization function (recessed lashing means) from the force absorption function (support element anchored to vehicle structure). This separation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Force

If additional support elements are added to absorb high tensile forces, then the force absorption capacity improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce absorption capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniformly strengthening the entire carrier profile, the patent applies a localized support element only at the critical position where force absorption is needed beneath the carrier profile. This localized approach increases force absorption capacity with minimal additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support element utilizes the vertical dimension beneath the carrier profile to provide force absorption, rather than requiring additional horizontal components. This spatial efficiency minimizes device complexity while maximizing force absorption capacity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2910418B1Load securing device for a commercial vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.02.13 SCHMITZ CARGOBULL AG
  • EP2910418B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2910418B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2910418B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A load securing device for a commercial vehicle (1), in particular a truck, trailer or semi-trailer, is shown and described, comprising a support profile (4) and at least one recess (5) embossed in the support profile (4) and having at least one opening (12), wherein a lashing device (6) is provided for attaching a load securing device and is partially arranged in the recess (5). In order to be able to withstand significantly higher tensile forces more easily and cost-effectively, it is provided that in at least one position of the lashing device (6) a support element (11) is provided which at least partially surrounds the recess (5) and is supported adjacent to the recess (5) against the support profile (4), and the lashing device (6) is supported against the support profile (4) via the support element (11).