Adjustable Strap Spool for Vehicle Tie-Down Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automobile transport systems lack flexibility in securing vehicles of varying sizes and wheelbases, as they rely on fixed positioning of chains or straps, which can be inefficient and require manual adjustment to achieve proper tension.
Innovation Solution
A strap tie down apparatus featuring a non-circular shaft with a ratchet gear wheel and wrench socket wheel, a spring-loaded quick release pawl, and an adjustable strap spool, allowing for flexible positioning and easy tensioning of straps, enabling securement of vehicles with different dimensions without the need for manual relocation of tensioning devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed positioning of chains or straps is used, then the structure is simple, but flexibility in securing vehicles of varying sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The strap spool is made movable along the shaft rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned at different locations to accommodate vehicles of varying sizes and wheelbases. This dynamic positioning capability provides flexibility without requiring complete redesign of the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie-down system is divided into separable components: the shaft, the movable strap spool, the ratchet mechanism, and the strap. This segmentation allows the strap spool to be independently positioned along the shaft to adapt to different vehicle dimensions while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If manual tightening of ratchet mechanisms is used, then the device structure is simple, but the operation requires significant manual effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism automatically maintains tension on the strap without requiring continuous manual intervention. Once the strap is fed through and the ratchet is engaged, the system self-regulates to prevent loosening, reducing both manual effort and time required compared to alternative locking mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the strap spool is fixed in position, then the device structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate vehicles of varying dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The strap spool is designed to move freely along the shaft to different positions depending on the vehicle size and wheelbase requirements. This simple dynamic adjustment mechanism provides adaptability without complex positioning systems, allowing the same apparatus to secure various vehicle dimensions effectively.
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
The system provides efficient and flexible strapping of vehicles, allowing for quick release and adjustable tension with minimal effort, accommodating vehicles of varying sizes and wheelbases, enhancing the security and ease of use in transport.
Implementation Method 1
a ratchet gear wheel having engagement teeth is located on one side of the shaft and a ratchet wrench socket wheel having a plurality of wrench apertures is located on the other side of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
A spring loaded quick release pawl is connected to the platform adjacent the ratchet gear wheel for engagement with the engagement teeth
Implementation Method 3
An elongated, typically non-circular, shaft generally attached to a transport platform
Implementation Method 4
A ratchet wrench socket wheel having a plurality of wrench apertures is located on the other side of the shaft
Implementation Method 5
Nylon or polyester straps are also sometimes used to secure vehicles to transport trailers
Data Source
AI summary
A strap tie-down apparatus and system. In general, the apparatus includes an elongated shaft generally attached to an automobile transport platform. A ratchet gear wheel having engagement teeth and a ratchet wrench socket wheel having a plurality of wrench apertures can be located on one side of the shaft together or on opposite sides of the shaft. The apparatus further includes a strap spool slidably connected to the shaft. The spool generally includes two side plates connected by a strap attachment bracket. A quick release pawl is connected to the platform adjacent the ratchet gear wheel for engagement with the engagement teeth. The pawl is connected to an elongated rod that is connected to the platform generally parallel with the shaft. The rod partially protrudes adjacent the ratchet wrench wheel. A spring is connected to the shaft adjacent the pawl.