Prestressed Pull Device for Cargo Tensioning Rest Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tensioning systems for securing cargo in cargo spaces face issues with undefined rest positions, obstruction during loading and unloading, and difficulty in securing tall cargo due to the design of pulleys and elastic cords, which hinder efficient operation and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning system with prestressed pull devices and retaining means, such as magnets or Velcro, that maintain a defined rest position for the tensioning member, allowing easy deployment and retraction, and the use of flexible pull members with hook-like connections to facilitate secure cargo handling without obstructing the cargo space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pulleys are suspended from the side wall and project inwards to guide the elastic cord, then the tensioning system can function to secure cargo, but the tensioning member protrudes further inwards and obstructs the cargo space during loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The pulleys are mounted on the inner side of the side walls rather than projecting inwards, effectively moving the guiding function to a different spatial dimension. This allows the elastic cord to be guided without the pulleys occupying cargo space, resolving the conflict between functional reliability and operational accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the elastic cord is used to retract the tensioning member, then the system can automatically return to rest position, but the elastic cord stretches during use which aggravates the protrusion problem and prevents proper retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the elastic cord with a non-elastic pull member (such as a steel cable or rigid rod). This parameter change eliminates the stretching issue, ensuring that the pull member maintains a defined length and can reliably retract the tensioning member to a precise rest position without the variability introduced by elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cord mechanism is replaced with an alternative mechanical system using a non-elastic pull member combined with a spring element or direct mechanical linkage. This substitution maintains the automatic retraction function while eliminating the drawbacks of elastic deformation and indeterminate rest position.
3Ease of operation
If the tensioning member is completely retracted to clear the cargo space, then loading and unloading is facilitated, but the tensioning member cannot effectively secure tall cargo when deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the retraction function (performed by the pull member at the top of the cargo space) from the tensioning function (performed by the tensioning member at the cargo level). This segmentation allows the tensioning member to be fully retracted to the top during loading/unloading operations, clearing the cargo space, while still being capable of deploying down to secure tall cargo when needed.
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 ensures the tensioning member can be easily kept ready for use, tensioned around tall cargo, and efficiently retracted for unloading, reducing operational time and enhancing loading/unloading efficiency by maintaining a clear path and secure cargo restraint.
Implementation Method 1
the pull device consists of an elastic cord which is guided on pulleys
Implementation Method 2
By means of a magnet, said winding system can be suspended from arbitrary positions in a cargo space
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tensioning system for securing cargo (10) in a cargo space (1), such as of a vehicle, container and the like, comprises a flexible or articulated elongate tensioning member (7), such as a tensioning strap, as well as tensioning means (8, 9) which cooperate with the elongate member and serve for attachment in the cargo space in order to bring the tensioning member in a tensioned state with respect to the cargo loaded in the cargo space. The system furthermore comprises at least one prestressed pull device (12, 12') for attachment in the cargo space (1), which pull device cooperates with the tensioning member (7) in order to bring the tensioning member (7) from the tensioned state into a rest position upon release of the tensioning means (8, 9), and in order to allow the tensioning member (7) to be brought from the rest position to the tensioned state counter to the prestress of the pull device (12, 12').