Ratchet Buckle with Second Reel for Strap End Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ratchet buckles leave a free end of the strap loosely hanging after tensioning, posing a nuisance and safety risk, as it needs to be tied or clamped to prevent flapping during operation.
Innovation Solution
A ratchet buckle design featuring a second reel member and a crank mechanism that allows the free end of the strap to be securely wrapped around the second reel, with latching plates and springs to engage and disengage the ratchet wheels for tensioning and releasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional ratchet buckle is used for tensioning straps, then the strap can be tightened effectively, but the free end of the strap hangs loosely creating safety risks and nuisance
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet buckle is designed with a second reel member that enables the device to perform multiple functions: the first reel member tensions the main strap while the second reel member secures the free end. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tying or clamping operations, resolving the contradiction between safety (securing the free end) and ease of operation (integrating the solution into the buckle itself)
2Device complexity
If the free end of the strap is left loose after tensioning, then the ratchet buckle operates simply, but the loose end flaps around creating hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The second reel member is nested within the frame structure of the ratchet buckle, with the free end of the strap being wrapped around this inner reel. This nesting approach allows the safety function to be integrated into the existing structure without adding significant external complexity, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and safety hazards
3Reliability
If a second reel member is added to secure the strap end, then safety is improved by preventing loose ends, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second reel member is combined with the frame structure through rotatable connection, and the crank mechanism is integrated into the lever assembly. By merging these components into the existing buckle structure rather than adding separate external devices, the patent improves safety while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A ratchet bucket having a first reel member rotatably connected to a frame having a pair of arms. A lever is rotatably connected to the frame at a first end of the lever. A second reel member and a crank are rotatably connected to a second end of the lever.