Protected Tie Down Strap Housing for Corrosion and Tag End Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard ratcheting straps are difficult to use due to exposure to elements causing corrosion, and they have an annoying tag end that can fray and damage surrounding items if not secured properly.
Innovation Solution
A protected tie down strap with internal components like force plates, power disc, washers, screw, shaft, power spring, bushings, and spring clip that allow for easy adjustment and tightening without exposing mechanical parts to the elements and eliminate the need for securing a tag end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ratcheting mechanism is exposed to the elements, then the strap can be used outdoors, but the mechanical system becomes corroded and difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The ratcheting mechanism is nested inside a protective housing that encloses the mechanical components. The housing contains the ratchet, strap, and other mechanical parts, protecting them from environmental elements while allowing the strap to function outdoors. The user interacts with the mechanism through a interface on the housing rather than directly with exposed components.
2Ease of operation
If the tag end is left unsecured, then the strap is easy to use, but the tag end will whip in the wind and can mar items around it
Solution Approach 1:
The dangerous tag end is extracted and isolated within the protective housing. The strap ends are contained inside the housing structure, preventing them from whipping outward and damaging surrounding items. The housing acts as a containment structure that eliminates the hazard while maintaining ease of use.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the tag end is properly secured, then damage to surrounding items is prevented, but the strap becomes more complex to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The tag end containment is integrated into the housing structure itself. The housing is designed to naturally contain and secure the strap ends as part of its basic structure, eliminating the need for separate securing steps. The containment function is built-in rather than added, maintaining simplicity while preventing damage.
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 protected tie down strap provides a simple, effective mechanism for tightening and releasing tension with a single turning motion, preventing corrosion and damage from a loose tag end, making it easier and safer to use.
Implementation Method 1
power spring
Implementation Method 2
knurled adjustment knob
Data Source
AI summary
A protected tie down strap encapsulates an adjustable tie down strap within a strap housing and includes a fixed tie down strap. An adjustment knob allows a user to turn the knob and take up slack in the adjustable tie down strap. The protected tie down strap utilizes a number of internal components including force plates, a power disc, washers, screw, shaft, etc. Together, they complete the complex task of tightening the tie down strap by powerfully wrapping it around the shaft in response to a user turning the adjustment knob. When the user wishes to release the tension on the tie down strap, he or she simply turns the adjustment knob the other direction (in other embodiments, he or she raises the adjustment knob up to release the strap and untie the load.)