Universal Load Restraint Fastener with Multi-Port Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load restraint tie-downs are limited in their ability to interoperate with various types of load restraint attachments, such as hooks and chains, restricting their versatility and effectiveness in securing loads during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A universal load restraint fastener with a body featuring multiple receiving portions and a projecting portion, designed to accommodate different types of load restraint attachments, including flat-hooks, tubular hooks, and chain-links, allowing for secure engagement and attachment of multiple restraint types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional simple-shaped tie-downs are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they cannot interoperate with different types of load restraint attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-down fastener is designed with multiple receiving portions (first receiving portion with receiving surface, second receiving portion spaced apart and symmetric) that can accommodate different types of load restraint attachments including chains, flat-hooks, and tubular hooks. This multi-functional design allows a single fastener to serve multiple attachment types, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rudimentary tie-downs are used, then the device complexity is low, but they cannot support attachment of multiple restraint attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener body is segmented into multiple functional receiving portions: a first receiving portion with a receiving surface for certain attachment types, a second receiving portion spaced apart and symmetric for other attachment types, and a projecting portion with receiving surface extending from the rear face. This segmentation allows each portion to specialize in receiving specific attachment types while maintaining overall structural coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with receiving portions positioned at different locations and orientations. The projecting portion extends outwardly from the rear face, creating multiple engagement points in different spatial dimensions, enabling compatibility with various attachment geometries without excessive complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple prongs or lateral handles are used for tie-downs, then manufacturing is easy, but engagement with different restraint attachments is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating multiple specialized simple components, the invention integrates multiple receiving capabilities into a single fastener body with strategically positioned receiving portions. This approach maintains manufacturing efficiency while achieving universal engagement capability across different restraint attachment types.
Data Source
AI summary
A load restraint fastener for use with a plurality of load restraint attachments is described. The load restraint fastener includes a body. The body includes a substantially planar portion having a front face and an opposite rear face. The substantially planar portion defines an opening and includes a first receiving portion having a receiving surface. The first receiving portion also defines a first portion of the opening. The substantially planar portion includes, in addition, a second receiving portion having a receiving surface. The second receiving portion is spaced apart from the first receiving portion and symmetric with the first receiving portion about at least one axis of symmetry. The second receiving portion defines a second portion of the opening. The body also includes a projecting portion having a receiving surface. The projecting portion extends outwardly from the rear face of the substantially planar portion.