Locking Rod Holder Mount for Truck Tie-Down Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fishing rods and reels are prone to damage and theft when transported in vehicles due to inadequate storage solutions, especially in trucks with shorter beds where rods must be stacked at an angle, and existing solutions do not effectively secure or protect these valuable items.
Innovation Solution
A rod holder system that includes a mounting bracket and cross support adapted to couple with existing tie-down brackets or toolboxes in vehicles, featuring a locking mechanism and cable lock to secure rods and reels, allowing for secure transport and storage while maintaining the functionality of existing tie-down systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fishing rods are stacked or bundled together in a vehicle bed, then they can be transported, but they become scratched or damaged and are vulnerable to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the transport function into separate components: a dedicated rod holder structure with individual slots for each rod, mounted on a base that attaches to the vehicle. This segmentation allows rods to be held separately rather than stacked, preventing damage while maintaining transport convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod holder system acts as an intermediary between the rods and the vehicle bed. Instead of placing rods directly in the bed where they can be damaged or stolen, the holder provides a protective intermediate structure that secures rods in an upright position with individual compartments.
2Volume of moving object
If fishing rods are laid at an angle in a shortened truck bed, then they fit in the vehicle, but they must be stacked on top of one another causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rod holder transitions the storage approach from horizontal stacking to vertical upright positioning. By utilizing the vertical dimension of the vehicle bed rather than only horizontal space, the system accommodates long rods without stacking, preserving rod integrity while efficiently using available volume.
3Reliability
If a rod holder system is installed in a vehicle, then rods are securely held and protected, but the existing tie-down bracket functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it securely anchors the rod holder system to the vehicle while simultaneously providing attachment points for traditional tie-down straps. This allows the same hardware to fulfill both rod security and general cargo tie-down functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the rod holder mounting function with the existing tie-down bracket system by integrating tie-down attachment points into the mounting bracket structure. This combination allows both functions to coexist and work together rather than replacing one with the other.
4Ease of operation
If fishing rods are placed in a vehicle bed without a dedicated holder, then the vehicle bed is accessible, but the rods are vulnerable to theft and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rod holder system serves as an intermediary protective structure between the rods and the harsh environment of the vehicle bed. It provides individual compartments and securing mechanisms that protect rods from damage while the overall structure can be locked or secured to prevent theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary protection by pre-positioning rods in secure upright slots with individual compartments before transport begins. The mounting bracket and holder structure are pre-installed and ready to secure rods, preventing damage and theft risks from the outset rather than reacting to problems during transport.
Data Source
AI summary
A rod holder mounting system including first and second mounting bracket sub-assemblies adapted to couple to first and second opposing ends of a rod holder sub-assembly. The first and second mounting bracket sub-assemblies respectively couple to first and second opposing ones of a vehicle's existing tie down bracket coupling locations, existing tie down brackets, or a tool box, and the rod holder sub-assembly includes a cross bar with rod holder tubes and first and second locking systems adapted to removably couple the cross bar to the first and second mounting bracket sub-assemblies, respectively. The rod holder mounting system allows for the transportation of fishing rods and reels in a vehicle and locks both the rod holder sub-assembly to the vehicle and the rods and reels to the mounting system.