Floating-Cheek Pulley Block for Fast Winch Line Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulley blocks used in vehicle recovery operations are heavy and prone to high friction, which reduces mechanical advantage and load pulling capability. Additionally, they often require disconnection from anchors to install or remove winch lines, and lack effective retention mechanisms for the winch line.
Innovation Solution
A pulley block design featuring a first side plate fixed relative to an axle, a second side plate in a floating relationship with the axle, and a pulley supported on the axle. This design allows for the winch line to be inserted or removed without disconnecting the pulley block from the anchor, and includes a soft shackle system that secures the winch line in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard pulley block or snatch block is used, then the winch line can be retained securely, but the device becomes heavy and requires disconnection from the anchor to install or remove the winch line
Solution Approach 1:
The pulley block is divided into two separate cheeks (first cheek and second cheek) that can rotate independently relative to each other around the axle. This segmentation allows one cheek to remain anchored while the other rotates to open the winch line passage, enabling winch line installation without disconnecting from the anchor.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cheek is made rotatable relative to the first cheek, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This dynamic capability allows the passage between the cheeks to be opened and closed during operation, enabling winch line installation while maintaining the anchor connection.
2Weight of moving object
If a recovery ring with a soft shackle is used, then the weight is reduced, but friction increases significantly reducing mechanical advantage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the pulley block from soft material (recovery ring) to hard material (metal cheeks and axle). This parameter change reduces friction between the winch line and the pulley block components, maintaining mechanical advantage while still achieving weight reduction compared to traditional heavy pulley blocks.
3Ease of operation
If the winch line passage is opened by rotating both cheeks, then the winch line can be installed, but the anchor connection must be disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The pulley block is segmented into two independent cheeks that can rotate separately. This allows only the second cheek to rotate for opening the passage, while the first cheek remains fixed to the anchor, eliminating the need to disconnect the anchor connection during winch line installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable second cheek acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides the opening/closing function without affecting the anchor connection. This intermediary allows the winch line passage to be opened by rotating only the second cheek while the first cheek maintains the anchor connection.
4Device complexity
If a standard pulley block is used, then the structure is simple, but the winch line cannot be installed without removing the pin to open the cheeks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic rotation capability to the second cheek, transforming the static pin-secured structure into a dynamically operable one. The second cheek can rotate relative to the first cheek to open the passage, providing easy winch line installation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 pulley block design reduces friction and wear, maintains mechanical advantage, and securely retains the winch line, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in vehicle recovery operations.
Implementation Method 1
reduces friction and wear
Implementation Method 2
gain mechanical advantage using a double line pull
Data Source
AI summary
A pulley block that includes a first side plate, a second side plate and an axle received in the first side plate and the second side plate. The axle is fixed with the first side plate and in a floating relationship with the second side plate such that the second side plate is retained on the axle and capable of rotating around the axle. The axle defines a central opening configured for receiving a soft shackle and a pulley supported on the axle between the first side plate and the second side plate in a longitudinal direction of the axle. The pulley is configured for receiving a winch line around an outer perimeter thereof. Also a method of installing a winch line on such a pulley block.