Automatic Locking Tie-Down Insert for Slotted Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for safety chain tie-downs that are easy to install and automatically lock in place, while also being relatively easy to manufacture, as existing solutions require manual locking mechanisms and complex designs.
Innovation Solution
A tie-down apparatus with a pedestal and safety chain connector that includes a latching member with flanges and a locking member, which automatically locks into place when rotated, preventing removal from a slotted receiver by engaging with inwardly projecting shoulders, ensuring secure attachment to a truck bed hitch mount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual locking mechanisms are used in existing safety chain tie-downs, then the tie-down can be securely locked in the slotted receiver, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-down apparatus automatically locks itself into the slotted receiver through a spring-loaded latching member that engages with the receiver's shoulders upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual locking operations by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The latching member is pre-configured in a spring-loaded state ready to engage the receiver shoulders, so that as soon as the tie-down is inserted into the slot, the latching action occurs automatically without requiring additional user actions
2Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are implemented to prevent accidental removal, then security is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latching member automatically engages and disengages based on the insertion and removal actions, providing reliable prevention of accidental removal without requiring complex multi-component locking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The latching member utilizes spring force as a mechanical parameter to maintain engagement with the receiver shoulders, providing secure locking through a simple spring mechanism rather than complex mechanical linkages
3Ease of operation
If the tie-down design includes automatic locking features, then ease of installation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic locking function is isolated to a single spring-loaded latching member component that is integrated into the tie-down body, keeping the overall device complexity low while achieving automatic locking
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latching member performs the entire locking and unlocking function automatically through the simple mechanical action of insertion and removal, avoiding the need for motors, sensors, or complex control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A tie-down apparatus securable within a slot of a slotted receiver includes a pedestal, a safety chain connector and a locking member pivotally connected to the safety chain connector. A vertical bore extends through the pedestal and two legs depend from the pedestal body on opposite sides of the bore. Each leg is narrower in width than a width of the slot so that the legs may be inserted widthwise into the slot to prevent the pedestal from rotating in the slot. The safety chain connector includes a bail and a downwardly extending latching member extending through the bore in the pedestal and is rotatable relative to the base to rotate the latching member into engagement with the slotted receiver whereupon the locking member pivots into engagement with the pedestal preventing rotation of the safety chain connector out of latching engagement with the slotted receiver.