Rotating Tie-Down Anchor Without Axles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tie-down anchor systems are difficult to mount, complex to manufacture, and often require recessing in the mounting surface, which can damage it, and they may not be able to handle modern load requirements, with some designs relying on axles or pins that can lead to failure.
Innovation Solution
A family of anchor devices featuring a back plate and mounting flange with a ring or hook carrier that can rotate without axles or pins, allowing for flexible alignment and installation options, including recessed and non-recessed configurations, and designs that eliminate the need for recessing and axles, using materials like stainless steel for strength and economy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior art tie-down anchors use axles or pins to achieve rotation, then rotation is enabled, but reliability deteriorates due to possible failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the axle or pin component entirely from the rotation mechanism. Instead of using a traditional pinned connection, the invention employs a clevis-style bracket that rotates freely within a mounting surface opening, eliminating the failure-prone axle/pin while maintaining rotational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than having a fixed axle with a rotating attachment, the invention inverts the approach by having a fixed mounting surface opening and a rotating clevis bracket that moves within it. This reversal eliminates the need for axles or pins to achieve rotation.
2Ease of manufacture
If prior art tie-down anchors require recessing in the mounting surface, then mounting is achieved, but the mounting surface is damaged and weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides a dynamic mounting solution where the clevis bracket can rotate within the opening. The mounting method adapts to different surface types - it can be surface-mounted on wood or recessed in concrete, providing flexibility without permanently damaging the mounting surface in vulnerable materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mounting parameters by providing different installation configurations. The same basic anchor design can be installed as a surface mount on wood surfaces or recessed into concrete surfaces, allowing the mounting method to be optimized for each surface type to avoid damage.
3Ease of manufacture
If prior art tie-down anchors use complex designs, then mounting capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tie-down anchor into separate functional components: a mounting surface interface (flange or recessed plate), a rotating clevis bracket, and an attachment point (ring or hook). This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes and assembled straightforwardly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal mounting system where the same basic design can be installed on different surface types (wood or concrete), used with different attachment methods (ring or hook), and provides both surface-mount and recessed options. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized designs, simplifying manufacturing across product lines.
Data Source
AI summary
A family of anchor devices that include a back plate mounted behind a mounting surface with a flange mounted in front of the mounting surface and generally a ring or hook carrier member that engages an anchor ring or a hook. In several embodiments the carrier can rotate without axles pins or the like allowing the load to align the device in a direction of maximum convenience and strength. A first embodiment provides a rotating ring in a recessed retaining cup that provides for maximum flexibility. A second embodiment provides a rotating ring in a clip carrier in a raised mounting flange. A third embodiment provides a swivel insert hook carrier that can rotate. A fourth embodiment includes a ring that engages a notch in a raised carrier. Fifth and sixth embodiments provide attachments for one or multiple hooks in a fixed-mounted, non-rotating flange.