Self-Retracting Cargo Winch With Lockable Rewind Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo securing winches for the transport industry are time-consuming and prone to operator injury, especially during the rewinding process, and often require additional tools that can be lost or forgotten.
Innovation Solution
A self-retracting cargo winch apparatus with a locking mechanism that allows for controlled rewinding and unwinding, featuring a recoil spring and a control mechanism with a toothed gear and biased pawl to manage different states of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual rewinding is used, then operator control is maintained, but the process is time-consuming and repetitive movements may cause operator injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system performs rewinding automatically using a spring-loaded reel mechanism that winds the tie-down media back onto the drum without requiring operator intervention. The system serves itself by converting the stored elastic energy in the spring into mechanical work to retract the media, eliminating repetitive manual operations and associated injury risks
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded during the unwinding operation, storing elastic energy that is then released to automatically rewind the media. This preliminary energy storage eliminates the need for active operator participation during rewinding, as the pre-stored energy performs the return action automatically
2Productivity
If battery-powered drill adaptors are used to accelerate rewinding, then rewinding speed increases, but sudden blockage causes the drill to kick and whipping action leads to injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded reel automatically controls the rewinding process without external power sources. The mechanical system self-regulates the winding speed and tension through the spring's inherent elastic properties, eliminating the safety hazards associated with powered drill adaptors
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism dynamically adjusts the rewinding force and speed based on the media tension and drum load. This automatic parameter regulation prevents sudden blockages and whipping actions by maintaining controlled winding forces throughout the rewinding process
3Extent of automation
If self-retracting winches with constant retracting tension are used, then rewinding is automated, but the tie down media cannot be moved freely and two operators are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded reel provides dynamic tension control rather than constant retracting force. The spring's elastic properties allow it to flex and accommodate media movement during positioning, then automatically retract when needed. This dynamic behavior enables single-operator use while maintaining media mobility during cargo securing operations
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 solution provides a safer, more efficient, and reliable rewinding process that reduces operator fatigue and risk of injury, while eliminating the need for additional tools and allowing for easy management of tie-down media.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing means fixedly mounted to the shaft, the biasing means being anchored to the frame; wherein upon unwinding the tie down media, rotation of the shaft loads the biasing means, and wherein load accumulated in the biasing means helps rewind the tie down media around the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A self-retracting tie down winch for tying cargo on a vehicle is provided. The self-retracting tie down winch comprise a frame that can be attached temporarily or permanently to the transport vehicle, a binding system to secure the cargo, the binding system comprising a gear and a unidirectional pawl and driver to insert a binding media. The self-retracting tie down winch further comprises a space to spool the tie down media around the winch shaft, a self-retracting mechanism for the tie down media to self-retract, and a self-retracting mechanism. The self-retracting mechanism can be stopped in a locking state at given length to ensure a tension free tie down media to facilitate its placement. It can be re-engaged from the locking state to rewind the tie down media.