Swivel Mount Cargo Winch Pivot Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo winch systems struggle to securely fasten odd-shaped loads due to the inability to adjust the angle of cargo straps relative to the load bed, often requiring the use of chains and load binders, which have their own limitations.
Innovation Solution
A winch apparatus with a pivotable mounting system that allows the winch shaft to be oriented horizontally and pivot over the load bed, enabling cargo straps to be extended at various angles, combined with a method for driving the winch using a conventional ratchet wrench, facilitating secure attachment of straps to different locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If winches are mounted along one side of the load bed with straps extending perpendicular to the side edges, then the winch structure is simple and easy to install, but the ability to secure odd-shaped loads is limited due to fixed strap angles
Solution Approach 1:
The winch is mounted on a pivot bracket that allows the winch shaft to rotate about a vertical swivel axis, transforming the fixed-angle mounting into a dynamic, adjustable-angle mounting. This enables the cargo strap to be secured at various angles to accommodate odd-shaped loads while maintaining a relatively simple mounting structure consisting of a mounting bracket and pivot bracket.
2Adaptability or versatility
If winches are positioned above the load bed surface, then the winch can pivot over the load bed to accommodate various angles, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the load bed side edge and extends downward into a stake pocket, and a pivot bracket that mounts the winch and provides rotation capability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed to extend downward into an existing stake pocket on the load bed, nesting the winch mounting structure within the existing load bed framework. This utilizes the existing stake pocket structure to support the mounting bracket, reducing the need for additional complex mounting hardware.
3Device complexity
If conventional winches are used with standard drive mechanisms, then the winch structure is simple, but driving the winch requires specialized tools rather than commonly available ratchet wrenches
Solution Approach 1:
The winch shaft is designed with a square drive recess that accepts a square drive ratchet wrench, making the winch operable with commonly available ratchet wrenches that are already in most toolkits. This universal interface allows the same ratchet wrench to operate both the winch and other fastening devices, eliminating the need for specialized winch-driving tools and improving ease of operation.
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
Enables secure fastening of loads of various sizes and dimensions by allowing cargo straps to be tightened at desired angles, improving the versatility and efficiency of securing odd-shaped loads without the need for chains and load binders.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot bracket pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket about a substantially vertical winch swivel axis
Data Source
AI summary
A winch apparatus for mounting to a load bed comprises a mounting bracket adapted to be mounted to a side edge of the load bed, and a pivot bracket pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket about a substantially vertical winch swivel axis. A winch is attached to the pivot bracket and configured such that, when the mounting bracket is mounted to the side edge of the load bed, a winch shaft of the winch is oriented substantially horizontally and a bottom of the winch is at a vertical location that is above a top surface of the load bed such that the winch can pivot over the top surface of the load bed. The winch can be configured to be conveniently driven by a conventional and commonly available ratchet wrench of a size appropriate to the particular winch.