Truck Tie Down
Working with FCA, IMMI expertise and current product categories to co-develop new product innovations within the truck industry. We came up with unique tie down solutions as well as how to implement them.
Client | FCA
Role | Industrial Design, Mechanical Design Liaison
Concept Development
While many ideas were sketched up and discussed exploring many new ways of accessorizing, adding purpose built tie downs, storage, netting, and ramps on were all looked at. We liked the idea of implementing simple easy to access tie down solutions.
Refining the Ideas
We narrowed down the designs with FCA’s interest and what solutions were the simplest to implement. With that in mind, I supported the CAD modeling and prototyping development of the flush mount cargo buckle and rail mount concepts.
Rail Mount Tie Down Solution
This was the final design that I had co-developed with an engineer. I supported all A and B side features on the covers and handle, designing form, fit and function. Bold branding and texture was based on FCA design elements. While text describing features allows customers to understand where each point the handle worked depending on what the user was trying to do - lock, ratchet, free spool or drag the hook.
Flush Mount
I supported this iteration of what the flush mounted cargobuckle could look like before development. This was a cleaner way of integration of a tie down system.
Refining the Design
While a couple of iterations of sketches were thought of on how this solution would be engineered. I had come up with unique ways of attaching the hook, having a spinning design so the strap would be out of the way, and having a system module of sorts. The above photo was the initial working prototype that was eventually redesigned due to usability and ergonomics.
