Dock Line Secondary Release Mechanism for Locked Ratchets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle or vessel securing systems to docks can become locked, making it difficult to detach the ropes due to excessive tension, as the ratchet system can be overwhelmed, leading to a situation where the ropes cannot be easily released.
Innovation Solution
A dock line system incorporating a ratchet system with a secondary release mechanism, such as a wire lock pin, that allows for emergency release when the ratchet becomes locked, enabling the user to detach the ropes by pulling the pin, ensuring the system can accommodate various rope sizes and loads, and includes plastic or metal rope clamps for added security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a ratchet system is used to secure ropes to a dock, then the ropes can be securely held under tension, but the system becomes difficult to release when excessive tension locks the ratchet
Solution Approach 1:
A secondary release mechanism (wire lock pin) is introduced as an intermediary component that bypasses the locked ratchet system. The pin can be pulled to directly detach the coupling member from the main body, providing a way to release the system even when the primary ratchet mechanism is locked under excessive tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides two different release methods with different force requirements. The primary lever operates under normal tension conditions, while the secondary wire lock pin is designed to operate under extreme tension conditions when the ratchet is locked, changing the operational parameter from lever-based release to pin-based release.
2Force
If the ratchet system is designed with high load capacity, then it can handle maximum tension loads, but it becomes overwhelmed and locked under excessive tension
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary release mechanism serves as a pre-prepared emergency solution that compensates for the potential failure mode of the primary ratchet system. When the ratchet becomes locked under excessive tension, the wire lock pin provides a backup release method, ensuring the system remains reliable even in extreme conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a lever-based release mechanism is used, then the system can be released under normal tension, but manual force is insufficient when the ratchet is locked
Solution Approach 1:
The wire lock pin acts as an intermediary release mechanism that requires minimal manual force to operate. Unlike the lever-based system that requires sufficient manual force to overcome ratchet engagement, the pin can be easily pulled to release the coupling, providing a solution that overcomes the manual force limitation.
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
Enables easy detachment of ropes even when the ratchet system is locked, ensuring safety and ease of use by providing a secondary release mechanism that can handle higher tension loads, allowing for secure attachment and release of vehicles or structures without manual force limitations.
Implementation Method 1
The main body 40 has a ratcheting system 44 that holds the first coupling member 20 in a particular position
Implementation Method 2
The first coupling member 20 can be detached from the ratcheting system 44 via a lever 42
Implementation Method 3
A secondary release 50 is selectively attachable to the main body 40 and the second coupling member 30. The secondary release 50 is preferably a wire lock pin
Data Source
AI summary
A dock line system for securing a vehicle or vessel to a structure has a secondary release when a first coupling member cannot be released from a main body of the system. The secondary release is selectively attached to the main body. When the secondary release is utilized, a second coupling member is detached from the main body allowing a user control of the vehicle or vessel.