Removable Safety Chain Tie-Down Locking for Clear Truck Beds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety chain tie down systems for trailers are not easily removable and often obstruct the truck bed when not in use, and they lack convenient maintenance fittings, which can lead to safety issues and hinder bed usage.
Innovation Solution
A removable safety chain tie down apparatus comprising a receiving member, a tie down member, and a locking member that securely engages the safety chain without additional intermediate hooks, allowing for easy installation and removal, and can be integrated with various hitch mounting systems to prevent obstruction and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety chain tie down system is permanently installed in the truck bed, then the safety chain remains securely connected, but it obstructs the truck bed when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The tie down system is divided into separate components: a receiving member installed in the truck bed, a tie down member that attaches the safety chain, and a locking member that secures the assembly. This segmentation allows the tie down member to be removed from the receiving member when not in use, clearing the truck bed while maintaining secure connection capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable configuration. The tie down member can be inserted into and locked within the receiving member when safety is needed, and removed when the truck bed needs to be used, providing adaptability between security and usability states
2Strength
If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure the safety chain, then the connection strength increases, but the ease of installation and removal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is separated into a distinct locking member with legs that engage apertures in the receiving member. This modular locking mechanism provides strong securement through precise geometric engagement while allowing simple insertion and removal by aligning and engaging the locking member, balancing strength with operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary between the tie down member and the receiving member. Its legs engage with apertures to provide secure locking without requiring complex threading or fastening operations, achieving strong connection through simple geometric interlocking that facilitates easy installation and removal
3Reliability
If additional intermediate hooks are used to attach the safety chain, then the attachment security increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tie down member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the attachment point for the safety chain, incorporates the locking mechanism with legs that engage apertures, and eliminates the need for separate intermediate hooks. This consolidation maintains attachment security while reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the overall device
Data Source
AI summary
A tie down apparatus that may be utilized for securing an item, such as a safety chain, wherein the tie down apparatus may be used with a hitch mounting system. In one embodiment, the tie down apparatus may include a receiving member, a tie down member, and a clocking member. The receiving member may include an opening located there through. The tie down member may include at least one aperture, wherein the tie down member may be capable of being located and rotated within the receiving member. The tie down member may be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise. The locking member may include at least one leg capable of being housed within the aperture. The locking member may engage the receiving member once the tie down member is rotated, thereby trapping the item within the tie down apparatus.