Roof-Mounted Cargo Securing System with Extendable Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo securing systems for pick-up trucks are inadequate for securing cargo taller than the side walls, as they only secure the bottom portion, leaving the upper portion unsecured, which poses a risk of damage during quick turns due to lateral acceleration forces.
Innovation Solution
A cargo securing system featuring base tubes attached to the truck's roof with extendable securing members and pivotally coupled cargo contact arms, allowing for securement of cargo at heights above the side walls, with notched hubs for locking the contact arms in position to interconnect with the securing members and the cargo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional welded rings or loops on side walls are used for securing cargo, then the securing system is simple and easy to implement, but only the bottom portion of tall cargo can be secured, leaving the upper portion unsecured and vulnerable to lateral acceleration forces during quick turns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the securing attachment points from the horizontal plane (side walls) to the vertical dimension (roof rack), enabling securement at heights above the side walls. This dimensional transition allows the securing system to reach the upper portions of tall cargo that were previously inaccessible, directly resolving the contradiction between securing reliability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing system is divided into modular components: base tubes mounted on the roof rack, extendable securing members that can be adjusted in length, and contact arms with notched hubs for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity and adaptability to different cargo sizes.
2Speed
If the truck turns quickly to avoid collision, then the truck's maneuverability is improved, but lateral acceleration forces cause the unsecured upper portion of cargo to tilt and potentially strike the side wall, causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The securing system applies preliminary restraining forces to the cargo through the contact arms and securing members before lateral acceleration forces can cause damage. By pre-positioning the contact arms against the cargo and locking them in place with notched hubs, the system creates counteracting forces that prevent the cargo from tilting or striking the side wall during quick turns.
3Ease of operation
If a standing refrigerator is secured with straps attached to side wall devices, then the bottom portion is secured, but the upper 2/3 of the refrigerator remains unsecured and vulnerable to falling out or sustaining damage
Solution Approach 1:
The roof-mounted securing system with extendable members and adjustable contact arms provides universal securing capability for various cargo types and sizes. The system can securely hold both tall standing cargo like refrigerators and shorter items, replacing the limited side wall attachment points with a multi-functional roof-based system that achieves complete cargo securement while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A roof-mountable retractable cargo securing system for cargo positioned in an open bed of a pick-up truck, the system may include two roof-mountable base tubes interconnected with a connecting plate so that longitudinal axes of the base tubes are separated by a distance that exceeds a width of the cargo to be secured. Securing members concentric with and slidably engaged with the base tubes may be selectively enclosed within the base tubes or partially extended from the base tubes to positions at sides of the cargo to be secured. Contact arms may be pivotally coupled to ends of the securing members and rotationally positionable to interconnect the securing members with the cargo to be secured.