Embedded Cup Elements for Transport Vehicle Platform Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining systems for transport vehicles are encumbered by projecting parts that hinder loading and unloading, have high implementation costs due to platform weakening, limited flexibility, and cannot be installed on pre-assembled platforms.
Innovation Solution
A platform with a sheet-like element and embedded cup-shaped elements that allow telescopic cargo bars to be securely positioned without protrusions, enabling flexible installation and use on various platform thicknesses, including pre-assembled ones, with easy and cost-effective integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shaped bars with anchoring openings are connected to the platform and project from the platform plane, then anchoring points are provided for telescopic cargo bars, but encumbrances are created that inhibit sliding of loads and obstruct operators during loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the anchoring function from the platform surface by providing through-openings that allow telescopic cargo bars to pass through the platform from below. The anchoring openings are created in the platform itself rather than projecting from it, removing the encumbrances while maintaining the anchoring function.
2Reliability
If a metal plate is applied to the bottom of the vehicle platform with threaded connections, then anchoring openings are exposed at the top, but high implementation costs are incurred due to milling operations that weaken the platform section
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the expensive metal plate with threaded connections and milling operations with a simpler, cheaper platform structure that has pre-formed or easily created through-openings. The platform itself serves as the anchoring device, eliminating the need for additional metal plates and complex fastening systems.
3Reliability
If a metal plate with linearly extended anchoring openings is used, then anchoring points are provided, but flexibility of use is reduced as positions are limited to rows
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the platform universal by providing through-openings at multiple predetermined positions that can accommodate various anchoring configurations. The same platform structure can serve different loading scenarios with different numbers and positions of anchoring points, enhancing versatility while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If a bar-conformation metal plate is used for anchoring, then anchoring openings are provided, but application on reduced platform thicknesses is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the anchoring device by using through-openings in the platform rather than a bar-conformation metal plate. This allows the anchoring system to adapt to different platform thicknesses, as the through-openings can be created regardless of the specific thickness dimension.
5Reliability
If a metal plate assembly is used for anchoring, then anchoring openings are exposed, but installation on already assembled platforms is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by incorporating the through-openings into the platform during its manufacturing process, before the platform is installed in the vehicle. This allows the anchoring functionality to be built-in from the start, eliminating the need for subsequent installation of separate anchoring devices on already-assembled platforms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A platform (1) to be installed on a loading plane (C) of a transport vehicle comprises a sheet-like element (2) adapted to rest on the loading plane (C) and having a plurality of holes (3) arranged according to a predetermined distribution. The platform (1) further comprises, for each hole (3), a relative cup-shaped element (4) comprising a main body (6) defining a receiving portion (6a), in which an end part (5a) of a telescopic cargo bar (5) can be fitted, and a peripheral portion (7) extending transversally to the main body (6) and adapted to define a stopping abutment upon inserting the cup-shaped element (4) in the respective hole (3).