Strap End Manager With Folding Wings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cargo straps often have loose ends that can catch onto objects or wave in the wind, posing a safety hazard and inconvenience when used on trailers and trucks.

Innovation Solution

A strap end manager with a center portion and folding wings, featuring hook and loop material, that secures the loose strap end by winding it around the center and folding the wings over the wound strap to retain it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cargo straps are made longer to accommodate various size items, then adaptability is improved, but loose ends that can catch objects or wave in the wind are created

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidharmful factors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful loose end from the functional strap by separating it into a distinct component. The strap end manager is a separate device that receives and secures the loose end, removing it from the potential harm zone while preserving the strap's full length for securing various sized cargo.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The strap end manager acts as an intermediary device between the loose strap end and the environment. It provides a controlled environment (the manager body) that contains the loose end, preventing it from interacting with external objects or wind while allowing the strap to maintain its adaptive length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a strap end manager with multiple folding wings and hook-loop material is used to secure loose ends, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strap end manager is segmented into multiple functional wings (at least two wings) that can independently fold over the strap end. Each wing can be equipped with hook or loop material, allowing the structure to be divided into manageable segments that work together to secure the strap end reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hook and loop material enables the wings to self-secure to each other or to the manager body without requiring additional fasteners, clips, or complex locking mechanisms. The material's inherent adhesive property allows the wings to hold the strap end securely through simple engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Effectively manages and secures loose cargo strap ends, preventing them from catching objects or waving in the wind, while also facilitating storage of the straps.

Implementation Method 1

The wings may include hook and loop material to retain the wings around the wound loose end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHook and loop material: Velcro

Data Source

PatentUS11117509B2Strap end manager

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 MARTINEZ RODRIGO

AI summary

A strap end manager holds a loose cargo strap end against a tight portion of the strap. The manage fits over an end of a loose strap, and the loose strap is wound around the manager. Top and bottom, right and left wings, fold around the strap and around the tight portion, and secure the wound loose end. The wings may include hook and loop material to retain the wings around the wound loose end. The strap end manager may further be used to facilitate storing cargo straps in the same manner as for holding loose cargo strap ends.