Vehicle Tie-Down Bracket With Pivotable Latch and Load Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tie-down brackets for motor vehicles require threading tie-down lines through openings, which can be cumbersome and do not effectively monitor loads, lacking real-time feedback on securement status.
Innovation Solution
A tie-down bracket with a pivotable latch that allows line insertion without threading, equipped with a capacitive sensor to monitor load and illuminate based on stress levels, providing visual feedback through integrated lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tie-down lines are threaded through openings in traditional brackets, then securement is achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into a body portion and a movable latch portion. The latch can be independently actuated to open and close the opening, allowing the line to be inserted when the latch is open and secured when the latch is closed, without requiring threading through the entire opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is designed to be movable between open and closed positions. This dynamic element allows the opening to transition from an open state (for easy line insertion) to a closed state (for secure retention), eliminating the need for threading operations.
2Reliability
If traditional tie-down brackets are used without sensors, then device complexity is low, but load monitoring and real-time feedback are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is integrated into the bracket to detect the position of the latch and provide feedback about the securement status. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring of whether the tie-down line is properly secured, enhancing reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system performs multiple functions: mechanical retention of the tie-down line and electronic monitoring of the securement status. By integrating the sensor and latch position detection, the bracket becomes a multi-functional device that both secures and monitors the load.
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
Facilitates easy securement of items on vehicles by allowing gap-based line insertion and real-time load monitoring, enhancing user convenience and safety with visual load indicators.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a capacitive sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a tie-down bracket including a latch pivotably coupled to a body. A method includes, among other things, securing a tie-down line to a tie-down bracket of a vehicle. The method further includes monitoring a load applied to the tie-down bracket.