Force Measuring Rigid Load Binder with Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load binders lack precise control over tensioning force, leading to inconsistent binding, increased labor and time in manual control, and potential damage due to over-tightening or under-tightening during logistics transportation.

Innovation Solution

A force measuring rigid load binder with a tensioning mechanism, sensor, signal processing circuit, and display device that adjusts hook distance and detects tensioning force in real-time, providing visual feedback and optional wireless monitoring, allowing for timely and safe binding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual control of load binder tensioning force is used, then the binding operation can be performed, but the tensioning force cannot be precisely controlled leading to over-tightening or under-tightening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning force measurementVSAvoidmanual control difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by equipping the load binder with a sensor that detects tensioning force and transmits signals to a display device. This real-time feedback loop allows operators to monitor the actual tensioning force applied to goods, enabling precise control and preventing both over-tightening and under-tightening. The feedback mechanism transforms manual control into an informed control process where operators can adjust based on measured values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual control system with an integrated sensing and electronic display system. The sensor substitutes for human tactile judgment, converting mechanical tensioning force into electrical signals that are processed and displayed. This substitution provides objective measurement replacing subjective manual assessment, significantly improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If multiple load binders are controlled independently, then each binder can be adjusted, but it is labor and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding operation efficiencyVSAvoidtime for independent control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback principle addresses this contradiction by providing real-time tensioning force information for each load binder through display devices. Operators can simultaneously monitor multiple binders and make coordinated adjustments, reducing the time required for independent control of each binder while maintaining proper tensioning levels across all bindings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by creating a standardized measurement and display system that can be applied to multiple load binders. The sensor and display components serve universal functions across different binding operations, allowing operators to manage multiple binders using the same control methodology, thereby improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If tensioning force is not monitored, then the load binder structure remains simple, but goods may be damaged or binding belt broken due to over-tightening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding safetyVSAvoidload binder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback principle directly addresses this contradiction by implementing a sensor that continuously monitors tensioning force and displays real-time values. This monitoring capability provides reliability by preventing over-tightening that could damage goods or break binding belts. The feedback system adds minimal complexity while significantly improving safety through objective measurement and operator awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing tensioning force information before damage occurs. The display device shows the actual force being applied, allowing operators to take preliminary corrective action by adjusting the tensioning force before it reaches levels that could cause damage to goods or equipment. This proactive approach enhances reliability by preventing harmful outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If sensor is integrated into existing load binder configuration, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the sensor must be precisely positioned at forced part

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidsensor positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating the sensor directly into the forced part of the load binder structure. The sensor becomes part of the existing mechanical configuration rather than a separate add-on component. This integration reduces manufacturing cost by eliminating additional mounting structures and simplifies assembly. The merging approach requires precise positioning of the sensor at the forced part to ensure accurate measurement, but leverages existing structural elements to minimize overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 convenient and timely control of tensioning force, enhancing safety and reliability in binding goods, reducing manufacturing costs through integration with existing load binder configurations.

Implementation Method 1

A sensor is provided at a forced part of the tensioning mechanism, which could generate a signal corresponding to the size of the tensioning force when the load binder is in operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce detection:

Data Source

PatentUS8166831B2Force measuring rigid load binder
Publication Date: 2012.05.01 ZHEJIANG TOPSUN LOGISTIC CONTROL CO LTD
  • US8166831B2 patent drawing
  • US8166831B2 patent drawing
  • US8166831B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a force measuring rigid load binder in the field of goods holding. The force measuring rigid load binder of the invention address the problems of conventional force measuring rigid load binders, such as potential damages to goods, adverse affection on goods transportation, increased difficulty in manual control, time and labor consumption and inconsistent tensioning forces of the binding belt. The force measuring rigid load binder of the invention includes a tensioning mechanism having a handle. Each of both ends of the tensioning mechanism is connected with a hook respectively. The tensioning mechanism is made of a rigid material. The distance between two hooks could be adjusted by the tensioning mechanism when the handle is pulled. A sensor is provided at a forced part of the tensioning mechanism, which could generate a signal corresponding to the size of the tensioning force when the load binder is in operation. The sensor is connected with a signal processing circuit which could receive and process said signal. A display device is connected with the signal processing circuit to display the size of the tensioning force. The force measuring rigid load binder of the invention has advantages including timely availability of the size of the tensioning force of the load binder, a high safety property, a compact structure and a low manufacturing cost.