Flatbed Strap Winding Assembly With Removable Storage Needle
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of traditional flatbed winches for winding tie-down straps becomes increasingly difficult and inefficient, posing risks of injury and inefficiency, especially when removing and storing straps.
Innovation Solution
A winding assembly system that includes a bracket for support on the flatbed, a needle for unwinding straps from the winch drum, and a gear system with a worm gear set for efficient rotation, allowing straps to be easily wound onto the needle for storage and later re-wound onto the winch drum without manual strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rod is used to manually wind the winch, then the straps can be tightened, but the risk of injury increases and the operation becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical rod-winding system with a powered drill-driven winding assembly. The drill provides rotational force through a gear mechanism (including a worm gear set) to rotate the winch drum, eliminating the need for manual lever operation and associated injury risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a drill-driven engagement arm as an intermediary mechanism between the power source (drill) and the winch drum. This engagement arm transfers rotational motion from the drill through gears to the drum, providing a safe intermediate step that avoids direct manual contact with high-force components.
2Productivity
If multiple flatbed winches and straps are used for securing large loads, then the load can be secured, but the winding process becomes increasingly difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual winding operations with an automated drill-driven system. The powered assembly can rapidly wind multiple straps across multiple winches, significantly reducing the time and effort required compared to manual rod operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary winding of straps onto a needle before final installation on the winch drum. This allows straps to be pre-prepared and organized, making the actual winching operation faster and more efficient when multiple straps need to be installed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If straps are removed from the flatbed for storage, then space is freed up, but the process of unwinding and storing straps becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the strap handling process into distinct functional components: a drill-driven engagement arm for unwinding, a needle for temporary storage, and a bracket system for support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a removable needle as an intermediary device between the winch drum and final storage location. The needle temporarily holds the wound strap in an organized manner, simplifying the transfer and storage process while maintaining adaptability for frequent strap removal and installation.
4Productivity
If a drill-driven engagement arm is used to rotate the winch drum, then winding efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the winding assembly into separable functional modules: a drill-driven engagement arm with gear mechanism, a removable needle, and a mounting bracket. This segmentation allows the complex drill-driven system to be used only when high-speed winding is needed, while simpler manual operation remains an option for basic tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the engagement arm and needle can be removably attached and detached from the winch drum. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between simple manual operation and complex powered operation based on the specific task requirements, effectively managing device complexity.
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 system reduces manual effort and risk of injury by enabling easy unwinding and storage of straps, maintaining efficiency in the winding process while allowing for convenient re-installation, thus improving user safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The engagement arm can include a gear system with a worm gear set that can be engaged by a drill to rotate the winch drum
Data Source
AI summary
Straps used on flatbeds can be unwound from a winch drum by using a system that includes a winding assembly, a bracket that enables the assembly to be supported on the flatbed, and a needle that can be removably mounted to a rotating element of the assembly. The strap can be connected to the needle and then rotation enables the strap to be unwound from the drum and would up onto the needle. The wound-up strap can then be removed and stored when not in use.