Pivoting Deck Hook Structure for Aluminum Socket Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deck hooks cause damage and wear to non-steel deck sockets due to limited contact areas and inability to distribute loading forces effectively over multiple directions, especially with the transition from steel to aluminum alloy decks.
Innovation Solution
A deck hook design featuring a body member with angled upper and lower parts, pivotally connected feet, and a cylindrical surface that conforms to the rounded end of the socket, allowing for increased surface contact and reduced stress, enabling force distribution over a wider area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional solid body deck hooks with curved surfaces are used, then the hook structure is simple, but the contact area with the socket is limited causing damage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The deck hook is divided into multiple segments including a body member, upper foot, and lower foot that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the hook to conform to the rounded end of the socket, increasing the contact area from a single point or line to a distributed surface area across multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional curved surface contact to a three-dimensional multi-surface contact by adding pivotable feet that can engage with the rounded end of the socket. This dimensional change enables contact forces to be distributed across multiple surfaces rather than concentrated at a single tangent point.
2Strength
If higher strength steel materials are used for hooks and sockets, then the strength increases, but the wear and damage to sockets still occurs due to limited contact areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the body member with a cylindrical surface that specifically conforms to the rounded end of the socket. This localized geometric match ensures that the contact occurs at the optimal location with maximum surface area, distributing the stress locally across the rounded end rather than concentrating it at a single point.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable connection between the feet and body member introduces dynamic adaptability. The feet can pivot to adjust the contact geometry, ensuring continuous surface contact even under varying load conditions. This dynamic adjustment maintains optimal contact area and stress distribution throughout the operational range.
3Weight of moving object
If deck hooks are used on aluminum alloy decks, then the deck weight is reduced, but the risk of wear and damage to deck sockets increases under the same loading forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides beforehand cushioning by designing the hook to distribute loads over increased surface areas of the aluminum socket before damage can occur. The multi-surface contact geometry and pivotable feet create a cushioning effect that reduces peak stresses and prevents the concentrated loading that would otherwise cause fatigue and damage to the aluminum material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the hook to match the rounded end geometry of the aluminum socket. By adjusting the cylindrical surface radius and foot dimensions to conform to the socket's rounded end, the contact stress parameters are optimized to remain below the fatigue strength threshold of aluminum alloy materials.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional deck hooks with limited contact areas are used, then the hook design is simple, but the loading forces cannot be distributed over multiple directions effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The deck hook achieves universality by designing the body member and feet to handle loading forces from multiple directions. The pivotable connection allows the hook to adapt to various load angles and orientations, making it versatile for different cargo securing scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure based on conventional deck hook geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A deck hook having the capability 1) to accept loading force in wide space angles of multiple directions, and 2) to distribute loading forces over increased deck/socket surface areas thereby increasing durability of the deck elements built from non-steel materials.