Resilient Strap Member with Side Rail Assembly for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tie-down systems for securing loads during transportation are static and prone to loosening due to vibrations and jarring, leading to compromised integrity and potential cargo shift or loss.
Innovation Solution
A strap assembly incorporating a resilient member made of thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic rubber, which stretches to maintain constant tension and includes a limiter to prevent excessive elongation, combined with side rails for secure coupling, ensuring the strap remains taut and resistant to slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static strap system is used to secure loads, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the strap loosens due to vibrations and jarring during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating a resilient member (elastic element) into the strap assembly, allowing it to dynamically adjust and maintain constant tension despite vibrations and jarring during transport. The resilient member stretches and contracts to compensate for movement, ensuring the load remains securely fastened without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing a resilient member that changes its length and tension characteristics in response to external forces. The elastic element's ability to stretch and retract modifies the tension parameter dynamically, maintaining secure fastening while absorbing vibrational energy, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If a resilient member is added to maintain constant tension, then the strap resists loosening during transport, but the assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the strap assembly into distinct functional components: a resilient member for tension maintenance, a limiter for length control, and coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the resilient member providing tension consistency while the limiter prevents excessive stretching, thereby managing complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a limiter component that mediates between the resilient member and the strap ends. The limiter acts as a mediator that prevents the resilient member from exceeding its elastic limit while allowing it to function freely within normal operating ranges, thus maintaining tension consistency without requiring overly complex control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the resilient member is allowed to stretch freely, then it absorbs vibrations effectively, but it may exceed maximum elongation and fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a limiter component that prevents the resilient member from exceeding its maximum safe elongation. The limiter acts as a protective constraint that cushions the resilient member against over-stretching forces, allowing it to absorb vibrations effectively within safe limits while preventing catastrophic failure from excessive deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes preliminary anti-action by designing the limiter to preemptively counteract forces that would cause excessive stretching. The limiter is positioned and dimensioned to engage before the resilient member reaches dangerous elongation levels, applying a counteracting force that prevents further stretching and protects the resilient member's structural integrity during severe vibrational events.
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 strap assembly provides consistent tension and damping to absorb vibrations, preventing loosening and maintaining secure engagement of the load during transit, even under severe vibrational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member having two ends, at least one of which is coupled to the strap such that the resilient member is in line with the strap and provides a resilient link within the restraint assembly
Implementation Method 2
The strap assembly provides consistent tension and damping to absorb vibrations, preventing loosening and maintaining secure engagement of the load during transit
Data Source
AI summary
A restraint assembly includes at least one strap and a resilient member having two ends, at least one of which is coupled to the strap such that the resilient member is in line with the strap and provides a resilient link within the restraint assembly. A limiter haves at least two ends, each of the ends of the limiter being coupled to the restraint assembly, the limiter being longer than the resilient member when the resilient member is in an un-stretched position, such that the limiter prevents the resilient member from exceeding a maximum predetermined length when the restraint assembly is stretched into a taut condition. At least one side rail is coupled to the resilient member and the strap, the side rail being positioned aside the resilient member and the strap, the side rail including coupling structure operable to couple the resilient member to the strap.