Vehicle Cargo Tie-Down Assemblies at Multiple Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle cargo areas typically lack flexible tie-down solutions that can accommodate cargo of varying sizes and shapes, as existing attachment structures are limited to a single height along the floor, restricting the securement options.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of tie-down assemblies at differing heights on the side walls of a vehicle cargo area, specifically attached to pillar structures, provides a flexible and secure method for tying down cargo by utilizing multiple tie-down assemblies at varying heights above the floor, allowing for the securement of cargo of different sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If attachment structures are limited to a single height along the floor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for securing cargo of varying sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional (floor-level only) attachment system to a multi-dimensional system by positioning tie-down assemblies at multiple heights along the side walls of the cargo area. This vertical dimensionality addition enables securement of cargo with varying dimensions without requiring a fundamentally more complex attachment mechanism, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie-down system is segmented into multiple discrete assemblies positioned at different heights (e.g., first tie-down assembly at a first height, second tie-down assembly at a second height). This segmentation allows selective use of appropriate tie-down points based on cargo size and shape, enhancing adaptability while maintaining simple, standardized assembly designs that limit overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tie-down assemblies are installed at differing heights on side walls, then the adaptability for securing diverse cargo is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tie-down assemblies are designed with universal, identical or substantially similar structures that can serve multiple functions and positions. Each assembly uses standardized components (brackets, fasteners, reinforcement panels) that perform the same securement function regardless of height or wall location. This universality provides flexibility for securing diverse cargo while preventing exponential growth in device complexity through component standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the positional parameter (height) of identical tie-down assemblies rather than changing the assemblies themselves. By maintaining constant design parameters for each assembly type while changing only their vertical positions, the system achieves flexible cargo securement capability without proportionally increasing structural complexity. The parameter change is limited to location coordinates, not component design.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle structure includes a vehicle body structure, a first tie-down assembly and a second tie-down assembly. The vehicle body structure defines a cargo area having a floor structure, a first pillar structure and a second pillar structure. The first and second pillar strictures are spaced apart from one another and are rigid strictures that extend upward from the floor structure. The first tie-down assembly is attached to the first pillar structure. The second tie-down assembly is attached to the second pillar structure.