Dual Drive Torque Load Binder for Safe Chain Tensioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load binders, such as lever and ratchet load binders, pose safety risks to operators due to rapid and forceful lever rotation, are slow to operate, and require frequent maintenance to prevent mechanical issues, leading to increased operational costs and risk of load shifting during transport.

Innovation Solution

A dual drive torque load binder with a housing containing an internal gear mechanism and a connector mechanism, featuring a high-speed and low-speed driveshaft system that can be actuated by a hand-held drill, allowing for efficient and safe tightening of chains or straps without twisting, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a lever load binder is used to tighten chains, then the operation is fast and easy, but the operator faces significant safety risk due to rapid lever rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetightening speedVSAvoidoperator safety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual lever rotation mechanism with a powered drill system that rotates the chain through a gear mechanism. This substitution eliminates the dangerous rapid lever rotation while maintaining fast tightening capability through powered rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a gear mechanism as an intermediary between the drill and the chain. The gear mechanism converts the drill's rotation into controlled chain movement, mediating the force transmission to avoid direct lever rotation hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a ratchet load binder is used to tighten chains, then the operator safety is improved, but the operation becomes slow due to back-and-forth handle movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidtightening speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual ratchet handle mechanism with a powered drill system. This substitution eliminates the slow back-and-forth handle movement while maintaining safety through controlled powered rotation of the chain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If a ratchet load binder is used to tighten chains, then the mechanical advantage is improved, but the chains tend to twist which interferes with tightening and damages chains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical advantageVSAvoidchain twisting

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the ratchet mechanism with a drill-driven gear system that rotates the chain without the twisting motion characteristic of ratchet mechanisms. This substitution maintains force multiplication through gears while eliminating chain twisting damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Force

If a ratchet load binder is used, then the mechanical advantage is improved, but the ratchet gear and threads get encrusted with dirt and ice requiring frequent cleaning and greasing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical advantageVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the ratchet gear and threaded rod mechanism with a drill-driven system. This substitution eliminates the threaded components and ratchet teeth that are prone to encrustation, thereby reducing maintenance frequency while maintaining force multiplication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Force

If a ratchet load binder is used, then the mechanical advantage is improved, but operators develop repetitive stress injuries from repeated use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical advantageVSAvoidoperator health impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual ratchet operation with an electrically powered drill system. This substitution transfers the mechanical work from human operators to an electric motor, eliminating repetitive stress injuries while preserving the force multiplication benefit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 dual drive torque load binder enables rapid and secure tightening of loads, minimizing operator risk, reducing maintenance needs, and maintaining tension even on bumpy roads, thus lowering operational costs and enhancing safety.

Implementation Method 1

A torque load binder includes a body, a connector mechanism that is engaged with the body and extends outwardly from the body, and a gear mechanism that is provided on the body and operatively engaged with the connector mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

The disclosed torque load binder includes a housing that encases a worm gear mechanism which moves the end linkages that engage the chain towards or away from each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWorm gear: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 3

The torque load binder is actuated utilizing a hand-held drill for relatively rapid operation of the load binder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPowered drill actuation:

Data Source

PatentUS11691559B2Method of raising or lowering a landing gear

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 KELLYSRT LLC

AI summary

A torque load binder for changing tension in a chain or strap securing a load to a vehicle or support surface. The load binder includes a housing with an internal gear mechanism and a connector mechanism operatively engaged with the gear mechanism and extending outwardly from the housing. A high speed first driveshaft and a lower speed second driveshaft on the load binder are selectively individually actuated to effect movement between first and second end linkages of the connector mechanism. The first driveshaft effects movement between the first and second end linkages at a first speed and the second driveshaft effects movement between the end linkages at a lower second speed. Rotation of either of the first or second driveshafts actuates the connector mechanism, changing the distance between the first and second end linkages, and thereby changing the tension in the tie-down.