Ratchet Strap Free End Securing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ratchet straps face a persistent issue with the free end being accidentally unsecured, which is a major deficiency in their design and functionality.

Innovation Solution

The improved ratchet strap features a strap winding shaft and interlocking handles that allow the free end to be securely wrapped and prevented from premature release, using a ratchet mechanism that simultaneously shortens both the attachment and free ends, with a handle connector and pivotally attached handle ensuring the free end is securely engaged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the free end of the strap is left unsecured, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of securing the load deteriorates due to accidental release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of free endVSAvoidcomplexity of securing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the free end securing function with the existing ratchet mechanism by integrating a strap winding shaft and handle into the same assembly. The handle serves dual purposes: operating the ratchet mechanism and winding the free end around the shaft, merging two functions into one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The free end of the strap is wrapped around and nested within the strap winding shaft, creating a compact secured state. The handle is also nested against the ratchet handle when not in use, minimizing the overall footprint of the mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a securing mechanism for the free end is added, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of free endVSAvoidsimplicity of securing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The free end is secured to the strap winding shaft before the tightening operation begins. This preliminary action ensures the free end is already secured and cannot accidentally release during use, eliminating the need for separate securing steps later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the handle is always engaged with the ratchet handle, then the reliability improves by preventing accidental release, but the ease of operation worsens due to restricted movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental releaseVSAvoidhandle mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed to be movable, allowing it to pivot between an engaged position (for operation) and a secured position (against the ratchet handle). This dynamic positioning system provides reliability when engaged and operational flexibility when moved, resolving the contradiction between security and mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle is positioned against the ratchet handle in a preliminary anti-action manner, creating a mechanical constraint that prevents accidental release. This positioning acts as a preliminary protective measure that can be temporarily overridden when operational movement is intentionally required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

This design effectively secures the free end of the ratchet strap, preventing accidental release and ensuring a stable and reliable securing mechanism for loads, enhancing the overall functionality and safety of the ratchet strap.

Implementation Method 1

The frame pawl is persuaded towards the ratchet wheel by a frame spring. A mechanism is typically provided to allow the frame pawl to be disengaged with the cams of the ratchet wheel thereby allowing release of the strap.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The frame pawl is persuaded towards the ratchet wheel by a frame spring. A ratchet spring, 14, persuades the ratchet pawl into engagement with the cams.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8370997B2Ratchet strap

Publication Date: 2013.02.12 RATCHET DEPOT

AI summary

Described is a ratchet strap with a free end securing system. The ratchet strap has a strap with an attachment end and a free end and a strap winding shaft which is capable of receiving the free end in a wrapped relationship. A ratchet mechanism is included for simultaneously shortening the attachment end and the free end wherein the free end is drawn from the wrapped relationship with the strap winding shaft.