Modular Cargo Net with Multi-Profile Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo management systems for vehicles lack the ability to adjust to accommodate different objects and cargo space sizes, often resulting in items shifting, falling, or spilling due to inadequate retention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A cargo management system featuring a flexible substrate with multiple attachment features that can be coupled with various pairs of anchors, allowing for adjustable configurations as a cargo cover, pouch, or net, and utilizing multi-function anchors with hook and loop profiles for secure object retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed cargo net or divider is used, then objects can be retained in position, but the system cannot adapt to different object sizes or cargo area configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo management system is divided into separate modular components: multiple anchors positioned at different locations, a flexible substrate with multiple attachment features, and various attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows users to configure the system differently based on cargo size and shape, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by making the system modular rather than monolithic
Solution Approach 2:
The anchors are designed with multiple functions: they can be positioned at different locations (first pair adjacent, third pair remote), they support both the flexible substrate and rigid poles, and they provide attachment points for various configurations (cargo cover, pouch, or net modes). This multi-functionality enables a single component to serve multiple purposes across different cargo scenarios, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Reliability
If cargo nets or dividers are installed to prevent object movement, then object retention is improved, but the system lacks adjustability for different cargo configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed cargo nets to a dynamic configurable system where the flexible substrate can be attached at multiple positions and the rigid poles can be positioned at different locations. The attachment features allow the substrate to be reconfigured between different anchor pairs, enabling the system to adapt dynamically to various cargo sizes and shapes while maintaining reliable retention
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in key parameters such as attachment positions (different anchor pairs), substrate tension (adjustable via attachment mechanisms), and pole positions (for structural support). These parameter changes enable the same basic system to provide reliable retention for different cargo configurations without requiring multiple specialized devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for different storage needs, then specific functions are optimized, but the overall system complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single cargo management system provides multiple storage configurations: cargo cover mode (substrate attached to first and third anchor pairs), pouch mode (substrate forming a bag-like structure), and net mode (substrate with rigid pole support). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining adaptability to different storage needs, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo management system includes a cargo anchor including a body extending between first and second ends and defining a hook profile along a first plane perpendicular to an axis extending between the first and second ends and a closed loop profile along a second plane parallel to the axis. The system further includes a substrate having an attachment feature with a first portion coupleable with the anchor profile and a second portion coupleable with the loop profile.