Retractable Tie-Down with Spring-Wound Reel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ratcheting tie-down devices require users to repeatedly attach and detach webbing, leading to tangling and storage issues, and can experience slack that causes the attached ends to fall off during use.
Innovation Solution
A ratcheting tie-down device with a reel and spring mechanism that automatically winds and secures the webbing, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without manual feeding, and maintains tension to prevent slack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the webbing is completely detachable from the ratcheting mechanism, then the device is more flexible and adaptable, but the user must repeatedly attach and detach the webbing which causes tangling and storage issues
Solution Approach 1:
The webbing is automatically retracted onto the reel by a spring mechanism after use, eliminating the need for manual winding and storage. The system serves itself by automatically managing the webbing retraction and storage, reducing user effort and preventing tangling.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to automatically retract the webbing onto the reel after detachment. This preliminary preparation of the retraction force ensures that the webbing is always ready to be pulled in and stored without requiring manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the webbing is completely detachable from the ratcheting mechanism, then the device is more flexible, but a large amount of loose webbing becomes unwieldy and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The webbing is wound and stored on the reel, which is housed within the main body of the device. This nested configuration allows the webbing to be compactly stored inside the device housing, minimizing the volume occupied by loose webbing while maintaining full adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If slack is permitted in the webbing during attachment, then the device is easier to operate, but the attached ends can fall off or dislodge from the object
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically tensions the webbing by retracting it onto the reel, eliminating slack without requiring manual adjustment. This self-tensioning action ensures secure attachment while maintaining ease of operation, as the system automatically compensates for slack.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides continuous feedback through its tensioning force, automatically adjusting the webbing tension to maintain secure attachment. The spring's elastic properties provide real-time feedback on the attachment status, ensuring reliability while keeping the system easy to operate.
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 device provides a secure, automatic, and efficient way to attach and detach objects, reducing tangling and storage issues while maintaining constant tension to prevent accidental dislodging.
Implementation Method 1
The means for biasing includes a spring that extends about the axis
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet wheel having a plurality of ratchet teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A ratcheting tie-down device is provided that includes a main body portion, a hub rotatable relative to the main body portion about an axis, a webbing windable about the hub, and means for attaching at least one end of the webbing to an object. The device further includes means for biasing winding of webbing, a ratchet wheel having a plurality of ratchet teeth, a lock member resiliently biased into locking engagement with at least one ratchet tooth to inhibit unwinding of the webbing about the hub, and a lever arm rotatable about the axis for moving the ratchet wheel and wind the webbing. In one example, the device a rotational support element is provided to maintain orientation of the hub such that it can freely rotate. In another example, means for braking is provided to inhibit winding of at least some portion of the webbing about the hub.