Reusable Tie Down Storage Case Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tie down assemblies for securing vehicles are typically packaged neatly for retail but become messy and tangled when not in use, lacking a reusable storage solution that keeps them organized and secure without additional fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A reusable tie down storage case with a housing featuring separate spaces for tie downs and straps, including deflectable tabs for securing tie downs and movable flaps to manage strap access, allowing the case to function as both a retail package and a storage solution post-purchase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tie down assemblies are packaged in disposable retail packaging, then they are neatly presented for retail display, but the packaging cannot be reused for storage after purchase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed to serve dual functions: as a retail display package and as a reusable storage case. The same housing structure that presents the tie down assembly neatly at retail continues to function as the storage container after purchase, eliminating the need for separate packaging and storage solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the retail packaging after purchase, the design enables recovery and reuse of the housing structure. The housing is constructed to withstand repeated use as a storage container, transforming what would be waste into a functional storage solution.
2Ease of operation
If tie down assemblies are stored without a dedicated container, then storage is simple and accessible, but the straps become loose, unwound, and tangled
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple compartments: a first compartment for the tie down assembly and a second compartment for the straps. This segmentation keeps different components separated and organized, preventing tangling while maintaining easy access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The straps are stored within the housing structure, nesting the strap storage function within the main storage case. The second compartment provides a dedicated space inside the housing where straps can be kept organized without requiring external storage solutions.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple tie down assemblies are stored together, then space is efficiently utilized, but they can get dirty and tangled in the vehicle bed
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves as both individual and collective storage - each tie down assembly has its own housing that protects it, while multiple such housings can be stored together in an organized manner, preventing contamination and tangling that would occur with loose storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing provides a protective enclosure that shields the tie down assemblies from dirt and contamination. The structured housing prevents the assemblies from moving freely and tangling, while still allowing for compact storage of multiple units.
4Reliability
If straps are completely enclosed for security, then they cannot be stolen or lost, but they cannot be accessed when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be opened when straps need to be accessed and closed when security is desired. This dynamic element enables the storage solution to adapt between security and accessibility modes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the secured straps. It provides controlled access to the straps, allowing users to retrieve them when needed while maintaining security when the flap is closed, rather than using a fixed lock or completely open design.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a reusable tie down storage case including a housing having a tie down storage area and first and second strap storage areas, at least one tab in the tie down area for engaging a tie down, a first movable flap covering the first strap storage area to prevent removal of a first strap, and a second movable flap covering the second strap storage area to prevent removal of the second strap. The reusable case can be used as a retail package and as a reusable case after purchase to hold the tie downs in the case without an additional fastener.