Portable Winch Anchoring to Seat Belt Buckles for Vehicle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loading heavy cargo into a vehicle is cumbersome for a single operator due to bulk and weight, and existing winch systems require custom attachment points, limiting their use to modified vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A portable winch system with a load attachment device and seat belt attachment device that anchors the winch to vehicle seat belt buckles, allowing for easy installation and use on standard vehicles without customization, featuring a motorized winch with a self-contained power source and remote operation for efficient cargo handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a winch system is used to load heavy cargo, then the loading capability is improved, but the system requires custom attachment points which limits vehicle compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the winch system universally applicable to any vehicle by using the existing seat belt anchor points, which are standard features in all vehicles. The seat belt attachment device adapts the winch system to work with universal vehicle components rather than requiring custom modifications, thus achieving both loading capability and vehicle compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat belt attachment device serves as an intermediary component that connects the winch system to the vehicle's existing seat belt anchor points. This intermediary adapter allows the winch to interface with standard vehicle features without requiring custom attachment points, resolving the contradiction between loading capability and vehicle compatibility.
2Productivity
If a winch system is installed to handle heavy cargo, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the installation requires vehicle customization which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The seat belt attachment device enables the winch system to function on any standard vehicle without customization. By designing the attachment mechanism to interface with universal seat belt anchor points, the patent eliminates installation complexity while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vehicle's existing seat belt anchor points, which are already present in all vehicles, to provide the necessary attachment functionality. This self-service approach eliminates the need for custom installation while maintaining full operational capability.
3Weight of moving object
If a portable winch system is used, then the portability is improved, but the attachment strength must be sufficient for heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The seat belt attachment device acts as a strong intermediary connection between the portable winch and the vehicle. It distributes and transfers the heavy load forces to the vehicle's structural seat belt anchor points, maintaining attachment strength while preserving the portability of the winch system.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat belt attachment device and vehicle anchor points provide a counterbalancing structural support system that compensates for the lightweight, portable nature of the winch. This allows the portable winch to handle heavy loads by transferring forces to the vehicle's structural components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a system for winching cargo into a vehicle and includes a winch, at least one load attachment device, and at least one seat belt attachment device. The seat belt attachment device anchors the remaining components (preferably the winch) to seat belt buckles already within the vehicle. The load attachment device connects to the cargo to be loaded on one end and the winch on the other end, via a tether. The winch is then operated to draw in the tether, which in turn draws the cargo toward the winch and into the vehicle. Because the seat belt attachment device provides a strong but reversible attachment to the vehicle, the present invention is easy to temporarily install on a vehicle, move between vehicles, and easy to use on stock vehicles without requiring customization of the vehicle.