Variable Stiffness Compression Apparatus for Tie-Down Slack Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chain and strap tie-down assemblies often develop slack during transportation, leading to commodity movement and damage, due to limited compressibility and variable stiffness in existing compression elements.

Innovation Solution

A compression apparatus with a U-shaped bolt configuration and internal compressible materials of varying stiffness, allowing for compression and elongation to maintain tension in tie-down assemblies by decompressing and shortening when slack occurs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If single compressible non-metallic material is used in compression elements, then the apparatus can compress and decompress, but the compressibility is constant and limited, severely restricting applicability in different tie-down situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability in different tie-down situationsVSAvoidcompression element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression element is divided into multiple segments or layers with different compressibility characteristics. Each segment can be engineered with specific material properties, allowing the overall element to provide variable stiffness - softer at lower compression levels and stiffer at higher compression levels - thereby adapting to different tie-down situations without requiring multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compression element utilizes composite material construction, combining different materials with varying compressibility properties within a single element. This allows the element to exhibit non-linear compression characteristics where the stiffness changes based on the compression force applied, providing adaptability across different loading conditions while maintaining a unified structural component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If existing compression elements are used in tie-down assemblies, then the apparatus can take up some slack, but the elements lack variable stiffness and cannot effectively maintain tension under varying compression forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintaining tension in tie-down assemblyVSAvoidwithstand compression forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The compression element is designed with dynamic stiffness characteristics that adapt to the applied load. At low compression forces, the element remains relatively compliant to allow for initial slack uptake. As compression force increases, the element progressively stiffens to maintain tension and resist further compression, providing reliable tension maintenance across the full range of operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The compression element's physical parameters, specifically its stiffness, change in response to applied compression force. This non-linear parameter change allows the element to provide appropriate resistance at different stages of compression - yielding initially to take up slack, then becoming progressively stiffer to maintain tension and withstand maximum compression forces reliably

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the compression apparatus decompresses and shortens to take up slack, then tension is maintained in the chain, but the apparatus must withstand substantial compression forces during the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetaking up slack automaticallyVSAvoidcompression forces during decompression

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The compression element is pre-engineered with progressive stiffness characteristics that prepare it to handle increasing compression forces. As the element decompresses to take up slack, the progressive stiffening acts as a cushioning mechanism that smoothly absorbs the increasing compression forces, preventing sudden force spikes and protecting the tie-down assembly while maintaining automatic operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively takes up slack in tie-down assemblies, maintaining tension and preventing commodity damage by utilizing variable stiffness elements that compress and elongate in response to changing forces, enhancing security and durability during transport.

Implementation Method 1

the apparatus may decompress and shorten, thereby taking up the slack and maintaining tension in the chain or tie-down assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9637041B2Variable stiffness compression apparatus, systems and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 DYNO NOBEL INC

AI summary

The present invention comprises an apparatus for use in line with a chain or a strap tie-down assembly. When the chain or strap tie-down assembly is tightened on a commodity to prevent movement of the same during shipping, the apparatus compresses and stretches. During transport, if the commodity loosens and creates slack in the chain or tie-down assembly, the apparatus may decompress and shorten, thereby taking up the slack and maintaining tension in the chain or tie-down assembly to prevent or minimize loosening and damage of the commodity.