Tie-down Strap With Pockets And Hook Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing heavy equipment on flatbed trucks and trailers is labor-intensive and dangerous due to the difficulty in threading anchor chains and straps through complex cargo shapes, often resulting in injuries and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A tie-down management system featuring a flexible strap with pockets and mechanical connectors, along with a hand tool and extension pole, allows for easier manipulation of the strap around obstacles, reducing the need for manual climbing and bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual manipulation of anchor chains and strapping is used to secure cargo, then the cargo can be secured to the trailer bed, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A strap assembly acts as an intermediary tool to manipulate the anchor chain through complex pathways. The strap is threaded through the cargo features first, then the chain is attached to the strap and pulled into position, avoiding direct manual manipulation of the heavy chain through obstacles
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the securing process into separate functions: the strap assembly handles the complex threading and positioning task, while the chain handles the anchoring function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose
2Ease of operation
If a person climbs onto unsecured cargo to manipulate chains and strapping, then the chains can be threaded through cargo features, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The strap assembly serves as a mediator that allows the operator to manipulate the chain from a safe position on the ground. The strap is easily threaded through cargo features by hand, then the chain is attached and pulled into position without requiring the operator to climb on the cargo
Solution Approach 2:
The strap assembly is prepared and positioned in advance, threading through all necessary cargo features before the chain is attached. This preliminary action eliminates the need for the operator to be in a dangerous position during the actual chain manipulation
3Ease of operation
If heavy anchor chains are pulled and pushed through obstacles, then the chains can be positioned correctly, but physical strain and injuries increase
Solution Approach 1:
The strap assembly acts as a lightweight intermediary that performs the difficult pushing and pulling through obstacles. Once the strap is positioned, the chain is attached and pulled into place with minimal effort, eliminating the need to manually manipulate the heavy chain through tight spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the manipulation tool from heavy chain to lightweight strap, making the pushing and pulling operations much easier and reducing physical strain on the operator
Data Source
AI summary
A tie-down management system that is used to manipulate a tie-down strap through and around complex cargo. Pockets are sewn onto the strap proximate each end. A hand tool is provided having a handle and a shaft. The shaft terminates with a hook that is shaped and sized to selectively engage the opposing pockets on the flexible strap. When the hook is engaged with a pocket on the flexible strap, the flexible strap and the hand tool become mechanically interconnected. The hand tool can then be used to manipulate the flexible strap around and through complex pathways. The reach of the hand tool can also be extended by connecting the hand tool to an extension pole. By using the tie-down management system, the amount of climbing, bending and stretching required to secure a complex load is reduced.