Spring-Loaded Deck Anchor for Secure Tie-Down
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tie-down systems for planked decks are often inconvenient to install and remove, may create tripping hazards, and are not aesthetically desirable, lacking easy and secure attachment points for securing objects like ropes or bungee cords.
Innovation Solution
A portable tie-down anchor system featuring a shaft with an anchor and attachment portion, and a spring assembly that allows for easy installation and removal by compressing a spring to secure the anchor between deck planks, providing a secure and adjustable attachment point without permanent installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent tie-down anchors are installed on planked decks, then secure attachment points are provided, but tripping hazards are created and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-down system is divided into separate components: a deck plate that sits on the deck surface, a separate anchor mechanism that inserts through the plate, and a securement device. This segmentation allows the anchor to be hidden within the deck structure while maintaining surface integrity, eliminating tripping hazards while providing secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
A deck plate serves as an intermediary element between the deck surface and the anchor mechanism. The plate distributes loads, provides a clean aesthetic surface, and conceals the anchor insertion point, thereby eliminating tripping hazards while maintaining secure attachment capability.
2Reliability
If permanent tie-down anchors are installed on planked decks, then secure attachment points are provided, but ease of relocation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded or expandable design that allows it to be easily inserted and locked into place, then just as easily removed and relocated. The dynamic expansion and contraction of the anchor components enable quick installation and removal without permanent damage to the deck, maintaining both security and relocatability.
3Ease of operation
If tie-down anchors are made portable and easily removable, then ease of operation is improved, but secure attachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor mechanism is pre-loaded with spring tension or mechanical force that automatically engages upon insertion. This preliminary action ensures that as soon as the anchor is inserted through the deck plate, it automatically expands or locks into the wood, providing immediate secure attachment without requiring additional fastening steps, thus maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor components utilize curved or tapered geometries that facilitate easy insertion through friction reduction, while the same curvature creates mechanical interlocking upon insertion. The conical or curved shape allows the anchor to be easily pushed in but resists removal through friction and mechanical engagement, providing secure attachment while maintaining portability.
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
Enables secure and convenient attachment of objects to planked decks without tripping hazards or unsightly installations, allowing for easy relocation of the tie-down anchor as needed.
Implementation Method 1
The spring assembly may include (a) a compression spring... by compressing the compression spring, the bar portion of the anchor portion may be pushed below the first member or second member
Data Source
AI summary
A tie-down anchor for securing an object to a plank deck structure having first and second members spaced apart by a gap. The tie-down anchor includes a shaft assembly and a spring assembly. The shaft assembly includes (a) a longitudinally extending rod, (b) an anchor portion located at a first end of the longitudinally extending rod, and (c) an attachment portion at a second end of the longitudinally extending rod. The anchor portion may include a bar portion sized and shaped for engaging a lower side of the first or second member, or both. The spring assembly includes a compression spring, an upper spring retainer, and a lower spring retainer. The spring assembly is adjustable along the longitudinally extending rod, between the anchor portion and the attachment portion. By engaging the lower spring retainer with the upper side of the first member or the second member, or both, and compressing the compression spring, the bar portion of the anchor portion is pushed below the plank deck structure. Then, the shaft assembly is rotated and subsequently released. Upon installation, the tie-down anchor securely engages the plank deck, by and between the bar portion and the lower spring retainer.