Pivotable Bracket Closure for Load Securing Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load securing systems for vehicles face issues with deformation and mechanical stress, leading to potential damage and increased risk of injury from non-central force application, and are often costly due to the need for two interconnected elements.

Innovation Solution

A closure system for belt, rope, and surface securing means featuring a pivotable and lockable bracket element that forms a single eyelet with the closure body, allowing easy opening under load and reducing the risk of injury by eliminating the need for two interconnected elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a force acts decentralized on the separating device (especially in edge or corner areas), then the mechanical stress on the separating device increases and locking means may be torn out, but the separating device can still perform its load separation function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparating device integrityVSAvoidlocking means attachment strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The closure is divided into two separate elements: a first element (closure body with receptacle) and a second element (clip element with loop). This segmentation allows the force to be distributed across separate attachment points rather than concentrating stress on a single locking means, thereby preventing tear-out while maintaining the separating device's load separation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The loop of the clip element is inserted through the receptacle of the closure body, creating a nested configuration where one element passes through the other. This nested arrangement distributes mechanical stress across multiple contact points and structural elements, enhancing the overall reliability and preventing localized stress concentration that could tear out locking means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If reclosable fasteners with two interconnected elements are used, then the closure can be opened and closed mechanically, but the cost increases due to the need for two elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical opening and closingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is segmented into two functional elements (closure body and clip element) that can be manufactured separately using simpler, more cost-effective processes. Each element can be produced independently with optimized manufacturing methods, reducing overall production costs while maintaining the mechanical opening and closing functionality through their cooperative interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first element (closure body) and second element (clip element) are designed as universal components that can be used in various closure applications. The receptacle and loop designs allow these elements to function together in different configurations and load scenarios, reducing the need for multiple specialized parts and thereby lowering manufacturing costs while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If pressure is applied to the closure, then the connection is secured, but opening the closure becomes more difficult or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection security under loadVSAvoidclosure opening ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clip element is designed with a flexible or movable structure that allows it to deform dynamically under applied pressure, enabling the connection to secure firmly during loading. Simultaneously, the dynamic design includes a release mechanism that allows the clip element to be easily opened by applying force in a specific direction (such as pushing the free end away from the closure body), thus maintaining ease of operation despite the secure connection under load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The opening mechanism is designed to work by applying force in the opposite direction of the closing force. While closing involves inserting the loop through the receptacle and engaging under pressure, opening is achieved by pushing the free end of the clip element away from the closure body, which disengages the connection. This inverted approach allows easy opening despite the secure connection established under load pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 solution provides a cost-effective, easily operable, and safer load securing mechanism that can be easily opened under tension, reducing the risk of injury and damage from deformation, while allowing for secure engagement with a single element.

Implementation Method 1

betätigbar ist, um eine Rotation um eine Rotationsachse auszulösen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentEP3868604A1Closure and separating device
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 SPAN SET GES FUER TRANSPORTSYST & TECHN BAENDER MIT BESCHRAENKTER HAFTUNG & KOMMANDITGES
  • EP3868604A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP3868604A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP3868604A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a fastener for straps, ropes and/or area securing devices, such as tensioning straps or cargo securing nets, and a separating device with a fastener, wherein the fastener has a receptacle for a strap, rope and/or area securing device or a stop device for engaging in a retaining opening to which the fastener can be attached, the fastener has a pivotable and lockable bracket element which, in the locked state, forms a first eyelet of the fastener with the fastener, wherein the receptacle can accommodate a first section of the strap, rope and/or area securing device and the fastener can, by means of the pivotable and lockable bracket element, form a detachable, mutually connectable connection with a region corresponding to the first section or an end section of the strap, rope and/or area securing device.