Lockable Ratchet Buckle with Removable Handle

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ratchet buckles can inadvertently release secured cargo due to accidental jarring, posing safety and security issues, and lack a mechanism to ensure the strap remains tightened during transport.

Innovation Solution

A lock and key mechanism is integrated with a removable handle that prevents the ratchet wheel from rotating when the handle is not installed, ensuring the buckle remains locked unless the handle is mounted, thereby preventing accidental release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional ratchet buckle is used, then the strap can be tightened and secured, but the strap can be inadvertently released by accidental jarring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of inadvertent releaseVSAvoidbuckle mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock and key mechanism is engaged in advance before the buckle is used. The key is inserted into the lock and rotated to the locked position, preventing the release arm from disengaging the pawl from the ratchet wheel. This preliminary locking action ensures that even if accidental jarring occurs, the strap cannot be inadvertently released.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The key acts as an intermediary element between the user and the release mechanism. By inserting and rotating the key, the user positively engages the lock, which then physically prevents the release arm from moving the pawl into the disengaged position. This intermediary mechanism adds a layer of security against inadvertent release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If a removable handle is added to the ratchet buckle, then the buckle size is reduced during transport, but a mechanism is needed to prevent release when handle is removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuckle volume during transportVSAvoidprevention of release without handle

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock and key mechanism is set in advance to the locked position before the handle is removed. The key is rotated to engage the lock, which then prevents the release arm from disengaging the pawl. This preliminary locking ensures that when the handle is removed for compact transport, the ratchet wheel cannot rotate and the strap remains securely tightened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The key serves as an intermediary that links the handle presence to the locking state. When the handle is present, it can be rotated to disengage the lock via the key interface. When the handle is removed, the lock remains engaged, preventing any release action. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliability regardless of handle presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the lock and key mechanism is engaged, then the ratchet wheel is positively locked, but the release arm cannot disengage the pawl

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositive locking of ratchet wheelVSAvoidrelease mechanism operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The key acts as an intermediary between the user's intentional action and the release mechanism. By inserting and rotating the key, the user deliberately engages the lock, which then physically blocks the release arm from moving the pawl. To release, the user must perform the reverse intentional action: insert and rotate the key to disengage the lock. This intermediary mechanism ensures that release only occurs through deliberate user action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional ratchet buckle allows release by pulling the release arm. In this invention, the operation is inverted: release is achieved by rotating the key to disengage the lock, which then allows the release arm to function. The primary locking state is the default, and release requires the inverted action of key rotation rather than direct manipulation of the release arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 solution effectively prevents inadvertent release of the strap, ensuring the cargo remains secured and allowing for a compact buckle design when the handle is removed, providing enhanced safety and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The handle, which acts on a spring-loaded key, acts to move the key out of the lock for operation of the ratchet. However, with the crank arm in lock position, when the handle is disengaged from the crank arm, the key under spring action moves into engagement with the lock.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring action: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8209821B1Lockable ratchet buckle

Publication Date: 2012.07.03 CHEN WEIGUO

AI summary

The ratchet buckle for tightening a strap under a ratchet action provides a lock to positively prevent the ratchet buckle from inadvertently releasing the strap. The lock requires a removable handle to be installed on the ratchet buckle before the lock can be released. The removable handle extends the ratchet buckle crank arm for increased leverage in exercising the ratchet buckle and when removed reduces the overall size of the ratchet buckle and eliminates a crank arm portion that would otherwise extend beyond the ratchet buckle base.