Sword Beam Load Securing for Commercial Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load securing arrangements for commercial vehicles are inefficient in securing loads against lateral movement during cornering and are complex, especially when transporting pallets, as they require additional installations and take up storage space.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of sword beams parallel to the travel direction, which can be fixed to transverse beams and have recesses to fit around crossbeams, allowing for secure fastening of lashing straps and preventing lateral movement by matching the cargo form, with adjustable fastening to accommodate different distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If beams aligned transversely to the direction of travel are used with lashing straps, then loads can be secured against longitudinal movement, but loads are not effectively secured against lateral movement during cornering and additional installations are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral load securingVSAvoidadditional installations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sword beams that extend in the longitudinal direction (parallel to travel direction) to complement the transverse beams. This adds a new dimensional element for load securing, enabling lateral restraint through the longitudinal orientation of the sword beams while maintaining compatibility with existing transverse beam structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The sword beams are designed to work in conjunction with both the transverse beams and the mounting rails, creating a multi-functional load securing system. The same mounting rail infrastructure serves both transverse and longitudinal securing functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated lateral securing installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If clamping hooks with threads are used to brace the frame, then cylindrical cargo can be secured, but the arrangement becomes very complex and builds extremely high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo securingVSAvoidarrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex threaded clamping mechanism from the load securing system and replaces it with simple hook-shaped fastening elements that engage with holes in the mounting rails. This simplifies the overall arrangement by removing unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining securing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using active clamping mechanisms that require threading and tightening operations, the patent employs passive hook-shaped fasteners that simply engage with pre-drilled holes. This inverts the approach from active mechanical fastening to passive geometric interlocking, significantly reducing complexity.

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

3Ease of operation

If beams are fixed at fixed positions on mounting rails, then load securing is simplified, but flexibility in positioning for different cargo configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam positioningVSAvoidpositioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting rails are designed with multiple holes at different positions along their length, allowing the beams to be dynamically repositioned according to cargo requirements. The fastening means can engage with different holes to accommodate varying cargo configurations, providing both ease of operation and positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2687404B1Assembly for securing loads
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 FAHRZEUGWERK BERNARD KRONE
  • EP2687404B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2687404B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2687404B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The arrangement has attaching unit that attaches aligned bars (10) on loading area (6) of vehicle (1) in direction transverse to traveling direction (9) of vehicle. Longitudinal outer sides of loading area are connected in different positions along longitudinal direction of vehicle. The aligned bars provided with receptacles are aligned transverse to traveling direction of vehicle. A securing element is provided for securing load (11) on aligned bars, and sword bars (13) fixed to aligned bars are aligned along traveling direction of vehicle.