Movable Vehicle Bed Tie-Down Device with Dual-Wall Rail Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tie-down devices for vehicle beds often lack versatility and load retention capability due to fixed locations and inadequate contact with vehicle bed rails, limiting their ability to secure cargo of various sizes and shapes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A movable tie-down device with a clamp body and gripper assembly that applies gripping forces to both intersecting walls of a vehicle bed rail, providing enhanced load retention and repositionability along the rail, manufactured inexpensively using injection molded plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed tie-down points are integrated into the vehicle bed, then cargo can be secured at specific locations, but cargo of various sizes and shapes cannot be well secured because they are incapable of being positioned close to one or more of the fixed locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the tie-down device movable along the vehicle bed rail rather than fixed. The clamp assembly can be repositioned to different locations on the rail, allowing adaptation to cargo of various sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single movable tie-down device that can serve multiple positions along the rail. This one device can secure different types of cargo at different locations, replacing the need for multiple fixed tie-down points throughout the vehicle bed.
2Reliability
If clamp devices are designed to contact both intersecting walls of the rail, then load retention ability is improved, but the clamp must be stiff enough to maintain contact which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the clamp assembly into separate functional components: a clamp body that contacts one wall and a gripper assembly that contacts the other wall. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve reliable load retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining the clamp body and gripper assembly into a single integrated movable tie-down device. The anchor hoop connects these components, allowing them to work together as one unit that can be repositioned along the rail while maintaining contact with both intersecting walls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tie-down device is made movable to several locations on the vehicle bed, then cargo of various sizes and shapes can be secured, but the device must maintain location stability when loads are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing a device that is dynamically positionable along the rail but statically stable when engaged. The movable design allows repositioning for different cargo sizes, while the engagement mechanism with both rail walls provides stability when a load is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by using the rail structure itself as a counterforce. The clamp body and gripper assembly contact opposite walls of the rail, creating opposing forces that balance and stabilize the device when loaded, preventing it from shifting or becoming dislodged.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable vehicle bed tie down device comprises a clamp body and a gripper assembly that is securely advanceable relative to the clamp body. The clamp body and the gripper assembly are shaped and configured to apply a gripping force to two intersecting walls of a bed rail of a vehicle such as a pick up truck. The clamp body includes a mount point and a rib that may be formed as an integrated unitary structure with the clamp body, thus providing high strength and stiffness with low manufacturing costs. The rib extends over substantially the entire outer surface of the clamp body and distributes loads applied to the mount point over the entire clamp body and to the gripper assembly.