Rotating Chain Tensioner Connection to Prevent Torsion Kickback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Textile chains used in tensioning devices often experience torsions during the tensioning process, leading to reduced clamping path efficiency and a risk of injury from 'kickback' of the ratchet, which is not significantly addressed by existing solutions like rotatable connecting elements.

Innovation Solution

A tensioning device design where the connecting element is rotatably received in a connection block with a pivot bearing, ensuring that torsions are avoided by allowing the connecting element to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the clamping nut or threaded bolt, preventing any torsional forces from entering the clamping device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If textile chains are used as tensioning devices, then they provide flexibility and ease of handling, but torsions occur during tensioning leading to reduced efficiency and safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handlingVSAvoidsafety risk from kickback
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed to rotate freely about the longitudinal axis during the tensioning process. This dynamic rotation capability allows the textile chain to accommodate torsional forces without transmitting them to the ratchet mechanism, preventing kickback while maintaining ease of handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable connecting element preemptively counteracts torsional forces by rotating in the direction of twist, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the ratchet. This preliminary anti-action eliminates the root cause of kickback before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If a rotatable connecting element is used to prevent torsions, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety from kickbackVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element serves multiple functions: it connects the chain to the tensioning nut, allows rotational movement to prevent torsions, and maintains structural integrity under load. This multi-functionality achieves safety without requiring additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation capability is integrated directly into the connecting element itself, merging the connection function with the torsion-prevention function in a single component rather than requiring separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the connecting element is firmly fixed to prevent rotation, then structural stability is improved, but torsions are transmitted causing kickback and safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtorsional forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed with rotational freedom about the longitudinal axis, allowing it to dynamically adapt to torsional forces during tensioning. This dynamic design maintains structural stability while preventing harmful torsion transmission to the ratchet mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 prevents torsions and 'kickback' during the tensioning process, maintaining the preload force and ensuring operator safety, while providing the necessary clamping force for secure load fixation on transport surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

the connecting block is equipped with a bearing or pivot bearing in its interior

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivot bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP4204712B1Tensioning device for tensioning chains, straps, ropes or similar tensioning means
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 WESTDEUTER DRAHTSEIL VERKAUF DOLEZYCH
  • EP4204712B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4204712B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4204712B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a tensioning device for tensioning chains (1), straps, ropes or similar tensioning means (1), comprising at least one tubular tensioning nut (2) and at least one threaded bolt (3) that is inserted into the tensioning nut (2) and is interacting with it, wherein the tensioning nut (2) and/or the threaded bolt (3) is/are equipped with a connection element (4) at the end, in particular for coupling to the tensioning means (1), and wherein the connection element (4) is movably connected to the tensioning nut (2) and/or the threaded bolt (3).