Rotating Tie-Down Hook With Indexing Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tie-down systems for vehicle cargo beds face issues with fixed hook orientations, leading to undesirable loading conditions and potential damage when securing cargo of varying sizes and shapes, as the forces exerted on the hooks can cause deformation or damage to the hooks and sidewalls.
Innovation Solution
A tie-down assembly with a rotatable tie-down member and indexing system, allowing for securement in multiple angular orientations by using a mounting bracket with indexing cavities and a spring member to maintain the tie-down member in specific orientations, enabling flexible adaptation to different cargo configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tie down hooks are secured in fixed orientations perpendicular to the fore-aft axis, then the hooks can be easily mounted and positioned, but the hooks may be damaged or deformed when loaded at angles different from their fixed orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-down member is made rotatable relative to the mounting bracket, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation. The member can rotate between a first angular orientation (perpendicular to the sidewall) and a second angular orientation (at an angle to the sidewall), enabling it to adapt to different loading directions and prevent damage from misaligned forces
Solution Approach 2:
The angular orientation parameter of the tie-down member is made variable through the indexing mechanism. The member can be positioned at different discrete angles (first indexing position for perpendicular orientation, second indexing position for angled orientation), allowing optimization of the loading angle parameter to match cargo requirements while maintaining structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If tie down hooks are allowed to rotate to multiple angular orientations, then the hooks can adapt to different cargo configurations and loading angles, but the mounting bracket and indexing mechanism become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete indexing positions rather than continuous rotation. The mounting bracket includes specific indexing cavities (first and second cavities) that correspond to predetermined angular positions, allowing the tie-down member to assume specific orientations without requiring complex continuous control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
An indexing member acts as an intermediary between the tie-down member and the mounting bracket. This indexing member engages with the indexing cavities to maintain the tie-down member at specific angular orientations, providing a simple mechanical solution for orientation control without requiring motors, sensors, or complex actuation systems
Data Source
AI summary
A tie down assembly for a vehicle cargo bed. The tie down assembly is structured to be coupled to a sidewall of a vehicle cargo bed. The assembly includes a mounting bracket structured to be positionable and securable along the sidewall. The assembly also includes a tie down member rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket and including an indexing member. The mounting bracket has a first indexing cavity structured for receiving the indexing member therein, and a second indexing cavity angularly spaced apart from the first indexing cavity and structured for receiving the indexing member therein. The tie down assembly is structured such that the tie down member is secured in a first angular orientation when the indexing member resides within the first indexing cavity, and in a second angular orientation different from the first angular orientation when the indexing member resides within the second indexing cavity.