Modular Plastic Load Securing System for Flatbed Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load securing systems for flat-deck vehicles, such as trucks, are inadequate in providing a cost-effective and safe solution for securing loads like lumber, as they often rely on wooden dunnages that are prone to weather damage and can cause injuries during loading and unloading, and existing solutions may not effectively prevent load shifting during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A modular load securing system comprising a first member with a stable resting surface, a second member with elongated flat bodies and triangular lugs to separate rows of loads, and a third member with a track system and slidable members to retain loads, all made from durable and weatherproof materials like plastic, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly to securely organize and stabilize loads on the truck deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wooden dunnages are used to secure loads, then cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to weather damage and shorter lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from wood to plastic, transforming the securing system from weather-vulnerable to weather-resistant while maintaining cost-effectiveness through durable, reusable components that eliminate frequent replacement needs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses plastic as a composite material alternative to wood, creating a load securing system that combines durability, weather resistance, and cost-effectiveness through modern material science
2Stability of the object's composition
If tensioners are used to secure loads, then load stability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to severe injury risks to workers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dangerous tensioning function from manual operation and integrates it into the structural design of the plastic load securing system itself, eliminating the need for separate tensioners and their associated injury risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structural system that provides load stability through its design rather than through direct tensioning mechanisms, mediating between the load and deck to prevent both instability and injury
3Productivity
If loads are stacked over the deck, then transportation capacity is improved, but load shifting increases making the vehicle unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load into organized rows using divider members, creating structured compartments that prevent lateral shifting while maximizing vertical stacking capacity on the truck deck
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses load stability by adding dimensional structure through vertical dividers and layered positioning, transforming unsecured stacked loads into organized, multi-dimensional secured configurations
4Productivity
If loading and unloading operations are performed, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to injuries from working at height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements including slidable members that can move along tracks and adjustable components that adapt during loading operations, enabling safe and efficient load placement without fixed rigid structures that could cause injuries
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a load securing system for flat-deck vehicles. The system includes a first member configured to provide a stable resting surface to load mounted over a flat-deck of the vehicle. The system further includes a second member having an elongated flat body, and two lugs fixedly configured underside in proximity to its two ends and extending downward. The second member is configured to act as a divider to separate rows of loads mounted over the flat-deck of the vehicle. The system further includes a third member having an elongated body embodying a track system, and a pair of slidable members each slidably configured over the track system of the elongated body and slide in opposing direction. The third member acts as a divider to separate rows of loads mounted over the flat-deck of the vehicle and retain the load mounted between the pair of slidable members.