Trailer Tarp Sprocket Locking for Crank Stowage and Shaft Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer tarp systems face challenges in efficiently managing the crank handle and securing the tarp in place, particularly during transportation, as they often require manual handling and lack effective locking mechanisms for secure deployment and stowage.
Innovation Solution
A sprocket mechanism that fits over the tarp shaft, featuring a transverse bore for the crank rod, spring-biased pins for secure engagement, and locking teeth with optional bidirectional ratcheting via pawls, allowing for easy deployment, stowage, and secure locking of the tarp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual crank system is used for rolling the tarp, then the tarp can be deployed and retracted, but the crank handle requires manual handling and lacks secure locking during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The sprocket mechanism incorporates a dynamic locking system with spring-biased pins that automatically engage with grooves on the crank rod. The locking teeth on the sprocket body can engage with corresponding features on the tarp shaft, providing automatic locking during transportation while allowing manual operation during deployment. This dynamic system transitions between locked and unlocked states based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased pin system provides self-actuating locking functionality. When the crank is rotated to a specific position, the spring-biased pins automatically engage with the grooves, securing the crank without requiring additional manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the rotational motion of the crank to trigger the locking mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the crank is left in deployed position, then it is ready for use, but it occupies space and may interfere during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The sprocket mechanism enables the crank to be dynamically positioned between deployed and stowed states. The spring-biased pins engage with different grooves on the crank rod to secure it in either the deployed position (for operation) or the stowed position (for compact transportation), allowing the system to adapt its volume based on operational requirements.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the tarp shaft, then the tarp is secured during transportation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the sprocket body itself. The locking teeth are integrated into the sprocket's structure, and the spring-biased pins are incorporated as part of the sprocket assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate locking components, reducing overall device complexity while providing secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased pin system automatically engages and disengages based on the rotational position of the crank, providing self-actuating locking without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The spring force automatically pushes the pins into engagement with the grooves, simplifying the overall system.
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
Facilitates easy handling and secure locking of the tarp, enabling efficient deployment and stowage, while the optional bidirectional ratcheting enhances usability and durability with cost-effective fabrication from materials like molded plastic.
Implementation Method 1
The sprocket includes a transverse bore for receiving an end of a crank rod, which is spring-biased to engage pins through the crank rod end with one of two sets of grooves in the sprocket surface
Implementation Method 2
The opposite end of the sprocket includes projecting locking teeth for engaging with a locking mechanism preventing rotation of the sprocket and tarp shaft
Implementation Method 3
Optionally, pawls may operate with the locking teeth to provide bidirectional ratcheting
Data Source
AI summary
A sprocket fits over a portion of or is fixedly coupled to a tarp shaft around which a trailer tarp is rolled. The sprocket includes a transverse bore for receiving an end of a crank rod, which is spring-biased to engage pins through the crank rod end with one of two sets of grooves in the sprocket surface surrounding the transverse bore. The crank can therefore be moved between a deployed position for use and a stowed position for travel. The opposite end of the sprocket includes projecting locking teeth for engaging with a locking mechanism preventing rotation of the sprocket and tarp shaft. Optionally, pawls may operate with the locking teeth to provide bidirectional ratcheting.