Motorized Cargo Strap Winder with Guide Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for automating the rolling of cargo straps are inefficient due to the need for significant user input to maintain strap straightness during the winding process.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a motorized shaft with a guide flange and cap, secured to a vehicle, which uses magnets and spring-loaded pins to securely wind straps into a roll, allowing for easy and efficient winding without manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If motorized shafts are used to automate strap winding, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases and user input is still required to maintain strap straightness
Solution Approach 1:
The strap winding system performs self-alignment through the natural tension of the strap itself. The guide flange and guide cap create a constrained path that automatically keeps the strap straight during winding without requiring external sensors, motors, or active control mechanisms. The system uses the strap's own tension to maintain proper alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide flange and guide cap act as intermediary elements that mediate between the motorized shaft and the strap. These simple mechanical guides constrain the strap's path and maintain straightness during winding, translating the rotational motion of the shaft into neat rolled storage without complex control systems.
2Device complexity
If manual rolling of straps is performed, then device complexity is minimized, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The strap winding system performs self-alignment through the natural tension of the strap itself. The guide flange and guide cap create a constrained path that automatically keeps the strap straight during winding without requiring external sensors, motors, or active control mechanisms. The system uses the strap's own tension to maintain proper alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide flange and guide cap act as intermediary elements that mediate between the motorized shaft and the strap. These simple mechanical guides constrain the strap's path and maintain straightness during winding, translating the rotational motion of the shaft into neat rolled storage without complex control systems.
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 quick and neat winding of cargo straps with minimal user input, improving efficiency and reducing the time-consuming nature of manual rolling.
Implementation Method 1
The guide cap may include a magnet.
Implementation Method 2
The shaft may be formed of a ferromagnetic material.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for winding cargo straps. The apparatus comprises a base, connectors adapted to secure the base to a portion of a vehicle and a motor supported from the base. The apparatus further comprises a shaft extending from and rotated by the motor, the shaft having a plurality of mounting locations therealong, a guide flange secured around the shaft at one of the plurality of mounting locations and a guide cap secured to a distal end of the shaft. The method comprises securing the base to a vehicle, locating a guide flange at one of the plurality of mounting locations, securing a distal end of the strap to the shaft, locating the guide cap to the distal end of the shaft and actuating the motor to rotate the shaft thereby winding the strap thereon.