Self-Aligning Rotating D-Ring Assembly for Side-Load Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional D-rings used in recovery vehicles are limited by their fixed design, which concentrates load to a single point, reducing load capacity and making them unsuitable for side-loading, leading to potential pin failure and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable, self-aligning D-ring assembly that allows up to 360° rotation and 180° pivoting, featuring a base plate that can rotate relative to the outer housing, a bearing with apertures, and a shackle that automatically self-aligns along the centerline of the shackle relative to the direction of the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional D-ring is mounted on a fixed plate with a pin, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the load is concentrated to a single point, reducing load capacity and making it unsuitable for side-loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the base plate rotatable relative to the outer housing through a bearing mechanism. This allows the D-ring assembly to dynamically adjust its orientation to align with the load direction, transforming the static fixed-plate design into a dynamic self-aligning system that distributes loads more effectively while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the D-ring assembly into distinct functional components: an outer housing rigidly attached to the recovery vehicle, a rotatable base plate, a bearing mechanism, and a shackle. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the base plate rotation enabling load distribution across multiple points rather than concentrating it at a single pin location
2Strength
If multiple D-rings are added at different angles to allow ideal loading, then the load capacity improves, but the device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single D-ring assembly that can handle loads from any direction through the rotatable base plate mechanism. Instead of requiring multiple fixed D-rings at different angles, this universal assembly adapts to the load direction automatically, reducing the total number of components needed while maintaining or improving load capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The D-ring assembly performs self-alignment through the rotatable base plate that automatically orients itself along the centerline of the shackle relative to the load direction. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual positioning or multiple pre-positioned D-rings, reducing weight while ensuring optimal load distribution
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional D-ring is used at an angle not aligned with its centerline, then versatility in loading directions is improved, but torsional and shearing forces increase, risking pin failure
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable base plate enables the D-ring assembly to dynamically align with the load direction regardless of the approach angle. By allowing rotation up to 360° and pivoting 180° normal to the center of rotation, the system maintains the shackle centerline aligned with the load, eliminating torsional and shearing forces on the pin while accepting loads from any direction
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixed outer housing and the rotatable base plate, enabling smooth rotation and alignment. This intermediary component allows the base plate to pivot and rotate independently, accommodating various loading directions while keeping the pin aligned with the load centerline, thus preventing pin failure
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 self-aligning D-ring assembly increases load capacity by distributing the load over a larger surface area, reduces the number of D-rings needed, and enhances versatility in loading directions, thereby improving safety and efficiency in recovery operations.
Implementation Method 1
In order to reduce frictional resistance between the housing and the base plate, various components may be located between the housing and the base plate, such as a wear pad, ball bearings, roller bearings, traveler rollers, etc.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating, self-aligning device (“D-ring assembly”) mounted on or associated with a recovery vehicle for supporting and pulling a load, and a method of using this device, which includes an outer housing rigidly attached to the recovery vehicle; and a rotating base plate, with a bearing for supporting a shackle. The device automatically self-aligns along a centerline of the shackle relative to the direction of the load.