Self-Aligning Rotating D-Ring Assembly for Side-Pull Load Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional D-rings and hoist rings used in recovery vehicles are limited by their design, which concentrates load to a single point, reducing their load capacity and making them unsuitable for versatile side pulling, leading to potential failure under non-ideal loading conditions.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable, self-aligning D-ring assembly that allows 360° rotation and 180° pivoting, featuring a base plate that can rotate relative to a housing, with components like bearings or wear pads to reduce friction, and optional locking mechanisms for temporary orientation, ensuring the D-ring aligns with the load direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional D-ring is mounted on a fixed plate with a pin, then the D-ring structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the load is concentrated to a single point, limiting load capacity and making it unsuitable for side pulling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed D-ring mounting into a rotatable joint system. The base plate rotates relative to the housing, and the shackle rotates relative to the base plate, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to side-pulling loads. This dynamic capability distributes loads across multiple points and orientations, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and high load capacity for side pulling applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the D-ring system into three independent rotatable components: the housing (fixed to vehicle), the base plate (rotating on housing), and the shackle (rotating on base plate). This segmentation allows each component to handle specific portions of the load independently, distributing stress and increasing overall load capacity while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
2Strength
If multiple D-rings are added at different angles to allow ideal loading, then the load capacity is improved, but the device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a single D-ring assembly that can function in multiple loading orientations through its two-stage rotation capability. The shackle can rotate to any angle relative to the base plate, and the base plate can rotate to any angle relative to the housing, allowing one universal assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple fixed-angle D-rings, thereby reducing vehicle weight while maintaining load capacity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional D-ring is used at an angle from its centerline, then the D-ring can accommodate non-ideal loading conditions, but torsional and shearing forces increase, resulting in D-ring pin failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the shackle to rotate freely on the base plate and the base plate to rotate on the housing, enabling the system to dynamically align with side-pulling loads. This dynamic adaptation eliminates fixed angular constraints, allowing the D-ring to maintain its centerline loading orientation even when the vehicle or cable angle changes, thereby preventing torsional and shearing forces that would cause pin failure while maintaining high adaptability to various loading conditions
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 distributes load over a larger area, enhances load capacity, and reduces the risk of failure by allowing versatile loading directions, thereby improving safety and efficiency in recovery operations.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing with one or more apertures attached to, or formed as part of, the base plate
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.