Tie-down Fixture Anchor Bar Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tie down anchor assemblies in pickup trucks experience undesirable strain due to the large angle between the axes of the tie down straps and the anchor, leading to reduced longevity of the securing system.
Innovation Solution
A fastener with a base member and a U-shaped anchor bar that can traverse along anchor receiving holes set at an upward angle, allowing the anchor bar to be retracted for clearance and extended for securing loads, reducing stress and enhancing longevity by aligning with the angle of the straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anchors extend perpendicular to the side wall, then the anchor structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the tie down assembly experiences undesirable strain and reduced longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor bar is made movable within the base member, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The anchor bar can traverse through the anchor receiving holes to change from a retracted position to an extended position, enabling adaptation to different strap angles and load conditions, thereby resolving the strain issue while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the anchor system by providing anchor receiving holes at specific upward angles (e.g., 30, 45, or 60 degrees from horizontal). This angular parameter change allows the anchor bar to align with the strap angle, optimizing the force distribution and reducing undesirable strain on the tie down assembly
2Ease of operation
If the anchor bar is retracted, then clearance in the truck bed is improved, but the anchor must be extended to grip the lashing
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor bar is designed as a movable component that can be easily extended and retracted along the anchor receiving holes. This dynamic capability allows the anchor to provide clearance when retracted and engage the lashing when extended, offering operational flexibility without requiring complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The tie down assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the base member fixed to the wall, the movable anchor bar, and the lashing. This segmentation allows the anchor bar to independently traverse between retracted and extended positions, providing clearance when needed while maintaining the ability to secure loads
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener for securing straps, includes a base member defining a pair of anchor receiving holes, wherein the base member is configured to be engaged with a receiving frame in such a way that the base member faces an interior side of the receiving frame and axes of the anchor receiving holes define a non-normal angle with respect to the receiving frame. The fastener further includes an anchor comprising a pair of arms, wherein the arms are received by the anchor receiving holes, wherein the anchor is configured to traverse along the anchor receiving holes without being disengaged from the base member.