Chain Binder Power Coupling for Tension Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chain binders require significant user strength to operate and can be hazardous due to the risk of the lever bouncing back, potentially causing injury.
Innovation Solution
A chain binder with a center body, first and second side assemblies, and a power coupling that engages an external power source, allowing for the adjustment of chain tension using a gear mechanism, reducing the need for manual strength and preventing lever rotation to ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional lever binder is used to tighten the chain, then the chain binder can be operated with a simple mechanism, but it requires a lot of strength from the operator and may cause injury due to lever bounce back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual lever mechanism with a power coupling system that accepts external power sources (electric motors, hydraulic motors, pneumatic motors). This substitution eliminates the need for operator strength while maintaining the tightening function, directly resolving the contradiction between mechanism simplicity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power coupling acts as an intermediary between the external power source and the chain binder mechanism. It transfers power from the motor to the winding mechanism, enabling automated operation while keeping the overall system relatively simple. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by mediating between mechanical simplicity and operational ease.
2Device complexity
If a lever binder is used to tighten the chain, then the structure remains simple, but the lever may bounce back against the operator causing injury
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the manual lever with an externally powered motor system connected through a power coupling, the patent eliminates the bounce-back hazard entirely. The controlled motor-driven mechanism prevents uncontrolled lever movement, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain binder with power coupling can operate autonomously once powered, eliminating the need for direct operator interaction with the tightening mechanism. The system serves itself by converting external power into chain tension without requiring the operator to manually engage vulnerable components, thus resolving the safety issue while maintaining simplicity.
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 chain binder effectively secures cargo with reduced operator effort and enhanced safety by using an external power source to adjust tension, minimizing the risk of injury from the lever mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a power coupling couples a gear mechanism in the center body to an external power source
Data Source
AI summary
A chain binder to connect and apply tension to chains used to secure cargo on a truck bed. The chain binder includes a center body; a first side assembly; a second side assembly; and a power coupling provided on the center body. The first side assembly engages a first chain section and the second side assembly engages a second chain section. The power coupling couples a gear mechanism in the center body to an external power source. Operation of the power coupling moves the first and second side assemblies toward each other when operated in a first direction and moves the first and second side assemblies away from each other when operated in a second direction. As the first and second side assemblies move toward each other, tension in the chains increases and as the side assemblies move away from each other tension in the chain decreases.