Pivotal tie-down
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tie-down systems for securing loads on vehicles are often misplaced, complex, time-consuming to deploy, and restrictive in accommodating wider loads, leading to inefficiencies in loading and unloading processes and increased material waste.
Innovation Solution
A tie-down system comprising pivot-based winches with flanges, shelves, and anchors that allow for flexible deployment and wider load accommodation, reducing the complexity and time required for securing loads while minimizing material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tie-down systems are used, then loads can be secured, but the tie-downs are readily misplaced, lost, or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-down system includes self-retaining features where the tie-down components automatically secure themselves to the vehicle structure through spring-loaded latches and retaining clips that engage with receptacles, eliminating the need for additional securing mechanisms and preventing misplacement or loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the tie-down securing function with the vehicle's existing structure by integrating receptacles into the vehicle body and designing the tie-downs to self-anchor, merging multiple functions (securing load, retaining tie-down) into a unified system
2Reliability
If complex tie-down systems are used, then loads can be secured, but deployment and operation consume much time
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-down system is divided into independent modular components (anchors, straps, latches, receptacles) that can be quickly deployed and secured separately, allowing rapid assembly without complex interdependencies between parts
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacles are pre-installed on the vehicle structure, and the tie-down components are designed with pre-positioned engagement features that align automatically, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during deployment
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tie-down spacing is used, then tie-downs can be mounted, but wider loads cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle receptacles are designed with universal mounting patterns that can accommodate multiple tie-down configurations, allowing the same receptacle design to serve both narrow and wide loads by simply repositioning the tie-down anchors along the vehicle structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds longitudinal positioning capability along the vehicle's length, allowing tie-downs to be mounted at various distances from the vehicle ends, thereby accommodating wider loads without increasing transverse complexity
4Ease of operation
If manual rewinding of tie-downs is used, then straps can be rewound, but hand tools experience interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hand tool from the rewinding process by implementing a self-rewinding mechanism using spring-loaded reels that automatically retract the straps, eliminating tool interference while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The tie-down system includes self-rewinding features where spring-loaded reels automatically retract the straps after loading, eliminating the need for manual intervention and hand tools while maintaining operational simplicity
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 system enables quick and secure loading and unloading of wider loads, reduces material waste, and minimizes interference during operation, enhancing productivity and utility in equipment rental and transportation operations.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable sleeve on the pin
Data Source
AI summary
A tie-down secures a load onto a vehicle. The tie-down has a pivot, and a winch. The pivot has a pin, a rotatable sleeve, a cap, and a base. The pin is an annular tube. The winch has a U-shaped frame comprising first and second walls, and a third wall interconnecting the first and second walls. Flanges attach the first and second walls, respectively, of the winch to the sleeve. The third wall is perpendicular to the sleeve. The vehicle has a support surface for supporting the load, and a plurality of the tie-downs. The tie-downs comprise left-hand tie-downs and right-hand tie-downs. The tie-downs are attached to shelves attached to the vehicle adjacent and extending away from the support surface. The shelves comprise left-hand shelves and right-hand shelves. Alternatively, anchors are attached to the tie-downs for removably mounting the tie-downs within stake pockets of the vehicle.