Pickup Truck Tie Down Anchor With Offset Pin Stake Pocket Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recent changes in the shape and dimensions of stake pockets on pickup trucks render existing attachment hardware impractical for secure cargo attachment.
Innovation Solution
A tie-down anchor system featuring a curved anchor bar, anchor plate, and side plates with offset pins and openings, designed to fit within stake pockets, providing a secure point for ropes or straps with a cover plate and base plate configuration that resists removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing attachment hardware is used in traditional stake pockets, then installation is simple, but the hardware becomes impractical due to recent changes in stake pocket shape and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment hardware is divided into multiple components: a stake pocket insert with mounting holes, a separate anchor plate, and a curved anchor bar. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the insert adapts to the stake pocket geometry while the anchor plate provides standardized attachment points, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stake pocket insert acts as an intermediary component that bridges the changed stake pocket geometry and the traditional anchor hardware. The insert includes mounting features that adapt to the modified stake pocket shape while providing standardized mounting holes for the anchor plate, enabling compatibility without requiring complete hardware redesign.
2Reliability
If the anchor bar is held in an extended position, then cargo attachment is secure, but the anchor may be more easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor bar is designed to be movable between an extended position for cargo attachment and a retracted position for installation/removal. The curved shape of the anchor bar allows it to be easily inserted in a compact configuration, then spring-loaded or manually extended to engage with the anchor plate, providing secure attachment when needed while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor bar is pre-configured in a compact, easy-to-install position within the stake pocket insert. During installation, the anchor bar is simply inserted in this preliminary position, then extended to its operational position where it engages with the anchor plate. This preliminary positioning simplifies installation while ensuring secure attachment during use.
Data Source
AI summary
A tie down anchor includes an anchor bar providing a point of attachment, an anchor plate having the anchor bar secured thereto, and left and right side plates secured to the anchor plate. A pin is secured to the left side plate and extends outwardly. An opening is defined on the right side plate and offset vertically form the pin. A fastener passing through the opening is engaged with the left side plate, urging the pin into an inner opening defined in a stake pocket defined by the wall of a pickup truck bed. The anchor bar may be retractable and retainers in a base plate secured below the anchor plate may releasably secure the anchor bar in an extended position.