Load Slide Cam Locking Mechanism for Truck Bed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for vehicles are difficult to use, especially for weaker users, and prone to jamming due to dirt or tilting, as they require manual rotation of handles and depend on user strength for clamping force.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system where the load slide encompasses the load rail with external locking recesses and a rotatable cam, allowing easy and reliable locking by engaging with these recesses, reducing the risk of jamming and allowing one-handed operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a handle located under the eye is rotated to lock the connector assembly, then the locking function is achieved, but the operation becomes difficult for weaker users and the clamping force depends on user strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of locking operationVSAvoidreliability of locking under varying user strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual rotation mechanism with a spring-loaded cam mechanism. The cam is pressed against the rail by a spring, creating automatic clamping force without requiring user strength. The user only needs to press a release button to disengage the cam, significantly reducing operational effort while maintaining reliable locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded cam mechanism provides self-service by automatically generating and maintaining clamping force. Once the load slide is positioned on the rail, the spring automatically engages the cam to lock it in place without requiring the user to apply or maintain force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the connector assembly is moved along the rail, then positioning flexibility is achieved, but the crosspiece can easily jam due to tilted rail or dirt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidsusceptibility to jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the connector assembly engage from below the rail (which is prone to jamming), the patent inverts the approach by having the load slide engage the rail from the side. The cam mechanism contacts the rail laterally, which eliminates the problem of dirt accumulation and tilting causing jamming, while still allowing flexible positioning along the rail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If a C-shaped rail with a slot is used, then the connector assembly can be moved and locked, but the internal slot becomes difficult to clean and maintains dirt that causes jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovability and locking capabilityVSAvoidcleanability and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the internal slot from the rail design. Instead of having a C-shaped rail with an internal groove, the rail is designed as a solid bar with external cam engagement. This eliminates the hard-to-clean internal slot while preserving the movability and locking capabilities through the external cam mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The system provides a robust, easy-to-use, and reliable locking mechanism that is less susceptible to jamming, allowing secure fastening of loads without relying on user strength, and is easy to clean and maintain.

Implementation Method 1

the load slide comprises a rotatably mounted cam, which is rigidly connected to an actuating element and which can be rotated with the actuating element between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, in the locked position, the cam can engage with one of the locking recesses and thus lock the travel position of the load slide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS11433951B2Fastening system with a load rail and a load slide, in particular for a pick-up truck

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 KIPP

AI summary

A fastening system for fastening loads on vehicles includes a load slide arranged on and movable on a load rail along an extension direction. The load slide includes a fastening device for fastening a securing element and is lockable at different travel positions on the load rail. On the outside of the load rail a plurality of locking recesses are formed along the extension direction. The load slide includes a rotatably mounted cam, which is rigidly connected to an actuating element and which can be rotated with the actuating element between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the cam can engage with one of the locking recesses and thus lock the travel position of the load slide. In the unlocked position, the cam is disengaged with respect to the locking recesses and the load slide can thus be moved on the load rail.