Rotating Cargo Retainer for Adaptive Load Securing in Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo transport vehicles face challenges in securing cargo during acceleration, braking, and curve maneuvers while requiring simple, cost-effective, and accessible load securing solutions that are compatible with weight transfer concepts.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with a retaining element that extends over a partial region of the cargo holder's circumference, configured to rotate about a vertical axis, is oriented by the vehicle control system based on acceleration or deceleration to ensure secure cargo positioning, and can be integrated with the cargo holder or chassis, allowing for adaptive load securing without complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining element extends over the entire circumference of the cargo holder, then load securing reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is segmented into a partial circumferential arrangement rather than a complete ring, reducing complexity while maintaining effectiveness through strategic positioning at the rear and sides of the cargo holder
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is positioned specifically at the rear and lateral regions where cargo displacement is most likely to occur during acceleration and turning, concentrating securing function where it is most needed rather than uniformly distributing it
2Ease of manufacture
If a retaining element is fixed in position, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is made rotatable about the vertical axis, transforming it from a static to a dynamic component that can actively reposition itself or be repositioned by the control system to match changing acceleration vectors and driving conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses acceleration and orientation data to dynamically adjust the retaining element's angular position, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to real-time driving conditions and cargo displacement risks
3Reliability
If a retaining element is positioned to secure cargo during acceleration, then load securing is improved, but accessibility to cargo deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable retaining element can be dynamically repositioned or removed from the access path when cargo loading or retrieval is required, allowing the system to switch between securing mode and accessibility mode as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The partial circumferential design of the retaining element leaves portions of the cargo holder perimeter open, providing inherent access paths for cargo while maintaining securing functionality at critical locations
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
This solution provides reliable load securing with minimal effort and good accessibility by actively positioning the retaining element to counteract adhesion friction, ensuring cargo stability during various vehicle maneuvers while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the vehicle control system orients the retaining element, in each instance, on the basis of a current or expected acceleration or deceleration of the chassis, relative to the current direction of travel
Implementation Method 2
after overcoming the adhesion friction between the surface of the cargo holder and the contact surface of the cargo
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle for transporting cargo includes a cargo receiving portion which is located on a chassis, the cargo receiving portion having a retaining element that secures the cargo at the edge of the cargo receiving portion and a vehicle control unit being provided. The retaining element extends only over part of the perimeter of the cargo receiving portion and is designed to rotate about a vertical axis, the vehicle control unit being configured such that, as a result of each current or anticipated acceleration or deceleration of the chassis, it orients the retaining element about the vertical axis, relative to the current direction of travel, so that the retaining element is at least on the side of the cargo receiving portion towards which the cargo moves after overcoming the static friction between the surface of the load receiving portion and the contact surface of the load.