Spring Loaded Tie Down Camming Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tie-down systems in vehicles, particularly pickup trucks, face issues with high load failure and the need for multiple configurations, requiring a system that is easily installable, removable, and adaptable to different locations without external tools.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded tie-down apparatus with a camming mechanism, comprising a base plate, knob, biasing member, and cam plate, which allows for quick installation and removal by rotating the cam plate between orientations, securing the system to a structure with a fastening element, and featuring a U-shaped loop element to prevent accidental disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tie-down hooks or loops are used, then the system can provide basic cargo restraint, but the system fails under high loads and requires multiple units for different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-down system is divided into modular components: a reusable camming mechanism assembly and interchangeable base plates with mounting holes positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows a single camming mechanism to serve multiple mounting positions, eliminating the need for multiple complete tie-down units while maintaining high load capacity through the robust camming mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tie-down configurations are provided for different truck bed uses, then all locations can be equipped, but the system becomes complex and requires storing multiple different tie-down arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The camming mechanism assembly serves as a universal component that can be mounted at multiple locations throughout the truck bed. By making the camming mechanism reusable and positionable at different base plates, the system achieves versatility for various truck bed configurations without requiring separate tie-down units for each location, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional tie-down systems are installed, then cargo restraint is provided, but installation and removal require external tools and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The camming mechanism incorporates a self-contained operation where the camming surface and biased condition enable the mechanism to be installed and removed by hand without external tools. The user simply needs to manipulate the camming surface to engage or disengage the mounting holes, allowing quick repositioning between different truck bed locations without requiring wrenches, screwdrivers, or other external tools.
4Ease of operation
If a removable tie-down system is designed for quick installation, then ease of repositioning is achieved, but the load-bearing capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The camming mechanism uses a dynamic biased condition where spring pressure continuously pushes the camming surface against the mounting hole, creating a self-tightening effect under load. This dynamic response ensures that as cargo load increases, the camming mechanism automatically increases its clamping force, maintaining high load-bearing capacity while allowing quick manual repositioning when unloaded.
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 efficient attachment and detachment of the tie-down system across various vehicle locations, supporting high-capacity loads without the need for external tools, ensuring versatility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is disposed between the first surface of the base plate and the knob, with the biasing member residing at least partially within the pocket. The biasing member biases the camming head portion in a first direction which tends to clamp the cam plate and the base plate to the structure
Implementation Method 2
A cam plate is included which has a stud and a camming head portion, the stud engaging with a portion of the base plate. The knob is used to depress the cam plate in a second direction and to rotate the cam plate between first and second orientations. The second orientation causes locking of the apparatus to the structure when the knob is released.
Data Source
AI summary
A tie-down apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to be removably secured over an opening in a structure. The apparatus may have a base plate, a knob, a biasing member, a cam plate and a fastening member. The knob may be used to rotate and depress the cam plate away from the base plate against the biasing force of the biasing member, to permit securing and detachment of the apparatus from the structure. The biasing member maintains the cam plate biased toward the base plate when no pressure is being applied on the knob.