Eccentric Winch Ring Geometry to Prevent Shackle Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing winch rings rotate relative to the attachment line or soft shackle, generating friction and heat, which reduces the operational life of the attachment line or shackle and increases the risk of injury, especially when used in pulley systems.
Innovation Solution
A winch ring design with an eccentric or offset attachment aperture and annular groove configuration that prevents rotation, incorporating a cam mechanism to inhibit friction and heat generation, and provides multiple pulleys for increased pulling capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a concentric configuration of the attachment aperture and annular groove is used, then the winch ring structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the winch ring rotates during operation generating friction and heat that reduces the operational life of the attachment line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the attachment aperture eccentrically (off-center) relative to the annular groove, rather than concentrically. This asymmetric configuration creates an uneven distribution of forces during operation, which prevents the winch ring from rotating on the attachment line, thereby eliminating friction and heat generation while extending the operational life of the attachment line.
2Device complexity
If a concentric configuration of the attachment aperture and annular groove is used, then the winch ring structure is simple, but friction and heat generation increase the risk of attachment line failure and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the attachment aperture eccentrically (off-center) relative to the annular groove, rather than concentrically. This asymmetric configuration creates an uneven distribution of forces during operation, which prevents the winch ring from rotating on the attachment line, thereby eliminating friction and heat generation while extending the operational life of the attachment line.
3Duration of action of moving object
If an eccentric attachment aperture configuration is used, then rotation is prevented and operational life is extended, but the winch ring structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the attachment aperture eccentrically (off-center) relative to the annular groove. This is achieved by providing a winch ring body with an annular groove and an attachment aperture that is offset from the center of the annular groove, creating a cam mechanism that prevents rotation during operation.
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 winch ring design extends the operational life of the attachment line or shackle by reducing friction and heat, while enhancing safety by preventing potential failure and injury, and increasing the pulling capacity through multiple pulleys.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a cam mechanism to inhibit friction and heat generation
Implementation Method 2
the application of a pulling force on the winch line and its frictional engagement with the outer annular groove of the winch ring causes the winch ring to rotate
Data Source
AI summary
A winch ring includes a body a having an outer annular groove to receive a winch line therein. The body also includes an attachment aperture that is eccentric or offset relative to the outer annular groove, whereby the attachment aperture is used to secure the winch ring in place. The eccentric or offset configuration forms a cam surface, which prevents the winch ring from rotating relative to the attachment line when a winch line is moved through the outer annular groove or moved through the attachment aperture. As a result of the lack of rotation of the winch ring, friction and heat are minimized, preventing the premature failure of the attachment line.