Stake Cross-Beam Connection via Threaded Bores

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stake anchoring arrangements in vehicle loading platforms are cumbersome, expensive, and prone to rattling and shaking when unloaded, and they reduce the usable distance between stakes, limiting the inner width and causing structural stress on screws.

Innovation Solution

A connection system using screws that extend through the stake into threaded bores on the cross-beam, eliminating sockets and allowing for increased inner width, with accessible screw heads and optimized pre-tensioning to handle load forces without shearing stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is arranged in each stake, then the stake can be securely locked to the structure, but each stake becomes expensive and complicated to manufacture, and unnecessarily heavy and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure lockingVSAvoidstake structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is segmented from the stake and placed in the cross-beam instead. The cross-beam now contains the locking mechanism (threaded bores and nuts) while the stake remains simple with only openings for screw passage. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating complexity from the stake while maintaining secure locking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional socket arrangements are used, then stakes can be anchored, but the usable distance between stakes is reduced, limiting the inner width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestake anchoringVSAvoidinner width
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The socket structure is completely removed from the design. Instead of using sockets that occupy space at the ends of cross-beams, the invention uses direct screw connections through the stake into threaded bores in the cross-beam. This extraction of the socket element eliminates the space consumption while maintaining anchoring function, thereby increasing the usable inner width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If bolts are used from below to pull stakes downward, then stakes are prevented from jumping out, but it is cumbersome to access the bolts at the underside, and impossible in middle platform applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestake retentionVSAvoidbolt accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The direction of the locking mechanism is inverted. Instead of accessing bolts from below the cross-beam, the screw heads are accessible from above the cross-beam. The screws pass through openings in the stake and engage threaded bores in the cross-beam, with heads accessible on the upper side. This inversion makes the locking mechanism easily accessible while maintaining secure retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Stability of the object's composition

If wedge assemblies with bolts and nuts are used to prevent rattling, then shaking is reduced, but the difficulty of reaching the bolts and nuts remains

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-rattleVSAvoidfastener accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The complex wedge assembly mechanism is removed and replaced with simple screw-fastened connections. The screws directly connect the stake to the cross-beam through threaded bores, eliminating the need for wedge assemblies. This simplification maintains anti-rattle stability through rigid connection while making the fasteners easily accessible from above.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3130529B1An arrangement for rigidly connecting a lower end of a vertical stake to a horizontal cross-beam
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 TIMBTECH AB
  • EP3130529B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3130529B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

This invention relates to an arrangement for connecting a lower end of a vertical stake (2) to a horizontal cross-beam (1) adapted to be attached to a beam in a carrying structure of a vehicle, said arrangement comprising: - said cross-beam (1) having an end surface (15); - a plurality of bores (10) provided with threads (12) in said end surface (15), said threaded bores (10) extending parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction of the cross-beam (1); - a plurality of openings (23, 24) provided at said lower end of the stake (2), said plurality of openings extending crosswise in relation to a longitudinal axis (C) of the stake and being aligned with the threaded bores (10); and - a plurality of screws (30) extending through the openings (23, 24) of the stake and engaging the threads (12) of the threaded bores (10) in the cross-beam (1) to connect the lower end of the stake to the end surface (15) of the cross-beam