Motorcycle Anchoring System With Soft Cuffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle securing systems for transport, such as motorcycles and ATVs, cause damage to vehicle parts and are cumbersome to install and operate, often requiring complex and expensive components that need to be permanently affixed to transport vehicles, leading to space inefficiencies and instability during transport.
Innovation Solution
A new anchoring system featuring a securing strap with engagement means attached to a vehicle's frame member and a ratchet assembly connected to an anchor device, which can be secured to a transport mechanism, offering two configurations: direct anchor and remote anchor versions for improved stability and reduced damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate ropes are used to tie down the motorcycle from each handle bar, then the vehicle can be secured for transport, but excessive damage occurs to motorcycle parts such as handle bar covering and gas tank paint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses soft cuffs made of flexible material that wrap around the handle bars instead of direct rope contact. These soft cuffs act as protective interfaces that distribute the securing force without concentrating stress on vulnerable surfaces like handle bar covering and gas tank paint, thereby preventing damage while maintaining securing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft cuffs serve as intermediary elements between the securing ropes and the motorcycle components. Rather than allowing ropes to directly contact and damage the handle bars and gas tank, the soft cuffs mediate the interaction by providing a compliant interface that protects the vehicle parts from harmful friction and pressure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If soft cuffs are used to engage the handle bar grips, then damage to handle bar covering is reduced, but lateral pull causes inward bunching of grips when not sufficiently glued
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterbalancing forces through the strapping system configuration. The soft cuffs are positioned and tensioned in a way that creates opposing forces to counteract the lateral pull on the grips. This balanced force distribution prevents the grips from bunching inward while still providing protective engagement, effectively neutralizing the harmful lateral stress.
3Reliability
If complex components are used in the tie down system, then securing effectiveness is improved, but the system becomes difficult and expensive to install and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tie down system into separate, modular components: soft cuffs for handle bar engagement, separate strapping elements, and individual anchor points. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and easy to handle independently, while their combination provides effective securing. The modular design simplifies installation and operation compared to integrated complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal anchor points and standardized strapping components that can be used across different vehicle types and transport configurations. This universality eliminates the need for complex, specialized equipment for each application, making the system easier to operate and more cost-effective while maintaining securing effectiveness through adaptable positioning.
4Reliability
If components are permanently affixed to the transport vehicle bed, then securing stability is improved, but space is wasted and the transport mechanism is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic, removable anchor points instead of permanent fixed installations. The anchor points can be positioned and repositioned along the transport vehicle bed as needed, allowing the system to adapt to different cargo configurations and maximize space utilization. This dynamic positioning maintains securing stability while preserving the versatility and space efficiency of the transport mechanism.
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 anchoring system effectively reduces damage to vehicles during transport, enhances stability, and simplifies installation and operation by using easily attachable and removable components that do not require permanent modifications to the transport vehicle, optimizing space usage.
Implementation Method 1
The strap is connected to a ratchet assembly at a point away from the first end of the strap. The ratchet assembly is utilized to provide tensioning of the strap.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchoring system utilized in securing and transporting a motorcycle or other vehicle includes a strap, a ratchet and at least one anchor device securable to the bed of a transport mechanism. An embodiment herein includes a remote anchor device that attaches at one end to the strap ratchet and at another end to the bed of a transport mechanism.