Multi-Height Cargo Tie Down Corner Brackets

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional truck bed tie down systems are limited to a single height, making it difficult to secure cargo of varying heights within vehicle cargo spaces.

Innovation Solution

A tie down system featuring corner brackets with multiple openings at different heights, allowing for the use of tying devices such as straps or cables to secure cargo at various heights by connecting between corner brackets mounted in the cargo space corners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional single-height tie downs are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but cargo of varying heights cannot be securely tied down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to secure cargo at different heightsVSAvoidcomplexity of bracket structure with multiple openings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corner bracket is designed with multiple openings at different heights (first opening at first height, second opening at second height) to allow a single bracket to serve multiple functions for securing cargo at various heights, eliminating the need for separate brackets for each height level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple tie down points at different heights are provided, then cargo stability is improved, but the number of components and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo retention stabilityVSAvoidnumber of corner brackets and openings

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple opening points are integrated into a single corner bracket structure rather than using separate brackets for each opening, combining multiple functions into one component to reduce the total number of parts while maintaining cargo stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If corner brackets with multiple openings are used, then tying device flexibility is enhanced, but manufacturing and installation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in selecting tie down heightsVSAvoiddifficulty of manufacturing multi-opening brackets

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket structure is segmented into distinct opening locations at different heights, with each opening serving as an independent access point, allowing the bracket to be manufactured as a single piece with integrated segmentation rather than requiring assembly of multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10894502B2Tie down systems for securing cargo within vehicle cargo spaces

Publication Date: 2021.01.19 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

This disclosure details tie down systems for securing cargo within vehicle cargo spaces. An exemplary tie down system may include a corner bracket mounted in a corner of the cargo space. The corner bracket may include a plurality of openings for tying down cargo at different heights within the cargo space.