Trailer Strap Hook Retention with Sliding Keeper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load securement systems for flatbed trailers face challenges in securely attaching and maintaining load-restraining straps, particularly in preventing the flat hook from falling out of the opening while tightening, which can lead to instability and potential damage during transit.
Innovation Solution
A load securement system that includes a flat hook attaching to the trailer side rail with a keeper that slides along a rail to prevent the hook from falling, utilizing a C-shaped and J-shaped portion to secure the strap and maintain the hook in place, along with a rub rail to protect against impacts and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flat hook is used to attach the strap to the side rail opening, then the strap can be quickly connected, but the hook may fall out of the opening during tightening causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
A keeper is introduced as an intermediary component between the flat hook and the side rail opening. The keeper slides along a rail and positions itself to extend beneath the flat hook, preventing the hook from falling out of the opening while allowing the strap to be tightened reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The keeper is positioned in advance along the rail to be ready to receive and secure the flat hook before tightening occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the strap is tightened, the hook is already secured beneath the keeper, preventing any potential dislodging during the tightening process.
2Reliability
If the keeper is added to prevent hook dislodgement, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper is designed as a movable component that slides along a rail rather than being a fixed structure. This dynamic design allows the keeper to automatically position itself to extend beneath the flat hook when needed, providing reliable retention without requiring a complex fixed mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The keeper serves multiple functions: it prevents the flat hook from falling out of the opening, can be used to secure tarps or ropes over the trailer load, and works with the sliding rail mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A restraining strap securement system for a trailer includes a load-restraining strap with a flat hook that connects to the trailer side rail. The trailer side rail extends along the sides of the trailer and comprises a bottom wall with an opening for receiving the flat hook. A keeper slides upon a rail affixed to the bottom wall and the keeper may be positioned to extend beneath the flat hook and prevent the flat from falling from the opening while the strap is being tightened. The keeper may comprise a hook that can be used to secure tarps or ropes over the trailer load.