Telescoping Cargo Restraint System for Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-secured cargo in motor vehicles shifts during operation, potentially falling or intruding into the passenger area due to acceleration, deceleration, and cornering forces, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A cargo restraining system comprising a frame with a pivoting, telescoping design and an elastic cargo net that can be biased and secured using hook and loop fastening devices, allowing it to partition the cargo area from the passenger area and securely hold cargo in place on the cargo floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cargo is left unsecured in the cargo area, then loading and extraction is simple and quick, but cargo shifts during vehicle operation causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo restraining system employs a telescoping frame with movable segments that can dynamically adjust between an expanded configuration (when not in use) and a retracted configuration (when restraining cargo). The system transitions from a static to a dynamic structure that adapts to different operational states, allowing it to both facilitate easy loading and provide reliable cargo restraint during vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the restraining system to be compact when not in use (im facilitating easy loading) while providing sufficient structure when extended to restrain cargo effectively during vehicle operation.
2Reliability
If a cargo restraining system is installed to prevent cargo shifting, then cargo stability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates spring-loaded biasing elements that automatically engage with latching mechanisms to secure the telescoping frame segments in place. This self-latching mechanism reduces the need for complex manual locking systems, thereby improving cargo stability while minimizing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simpler spring-based biasing mechanism combined with latching elements. This substitution maintains cargo restraint reliability while significantly reducing the overall mechanical complexity and associated manufacturing costs of the system.
3Reliability
If the cargo restraining system is always in the partitioning position, then cargo stability is maintained, but access to the cargo area and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping frame design allows the system to dynamically transition between an expanded restraining position (when cargo needs to be secured) and a retracted position (when cargo loading or access is needed). This dynamic capability ensures cargo restraint effectiveness while maintaining easy access to the cargo area when the system is not actively restraining cargo.
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 prevents cargo shifting and intrusion into the passenger area during vehicle operation, ensuring safety and ease of use with a simple and cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
The telescoping pivot shaft may include a second biasing element biasing the telescoping pivot shaft toward an expanded configuration.
Implementation Method 2
The first securing element may be a first pad having a first hook and loop fastening device. The second securing element may be a second pad having a second hook and loop fastening device.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo restraining system has a frame and a cargo net carried on the frame. The frame and the cargo net are displaceable between a first position partitioning a cargo area from a passenger area of a motor vehicle and a second position overlying cargo supported on a cargo area floor of the motor vehicle. A related method is also disclosed.