Tensioner Handle Latch Automatic Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tiedown assemblies require an additional manual step to lock the handle after closing, and their performance is compromised by environmental factors like wear, abuse, corrosion, and temperature, which affects the reliability of the locking mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A tensioner mechanism with a handle latch that automatically locks when moved to the closed position, featuring a biased latch design with a spring mechanism and a locking interference fit, providing enhanced resistance to environmental conditions and improved positive locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a manual sliding latch is used in the tensioner mechanism, then the handle can be locked after closing, but an additional manual operator step is required and operational performance is affected by environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidoperator steps required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism automatically locks the handle when moved to the closed position without requiring manual intervention. The spring-biased latch engages with the body automatically as the handle pivots closed, eliminating the need for an operator to manually slide the latch to a locked position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The latch is pre-configured in a spring-biased ready-to-engage position. When the handle is moved to the closed position, the latch automatically engages with the body through the preliminary spring force, performing the locking action before the operator would need to intervene.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a sliding latch is used in the tensioner mechanism, then the handle can be locked, but the latch performance deteriorates under environmental conditions such as wear, abuse, corrosion and temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch locking capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional sliding latch mechanism is replaced with a spring-biased automatic engagement system. The spring provides consistent force that compensates for wear and environmental degradation, maintaining reliable locking capability throughout the device's lifespan without manual intervention or sensitivity to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism incorporates a spring that provides continuous force, changing the operational parameter from a manual slide requiring precise positioning to an automatic engagement driven by spring force. This parameter change makes the system less sensitive to wear, corrosion, and temperature variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a manual sliding latch is used, then the handle can be locked, but the device complexity increases and productivity decreases due to additional operator steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle lockingVSAvoidoperation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch performs the locking function automatically as the handle is closed, eliminating the need for a separate manual locking step. This self-service mechanism maintains reliable handle locking while significantly improving operation speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If a sliding latch requires manual movement to locked position, then the handle can be secured, but the ease of operation is reduced and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure lockingVSAvoidadditional operator step

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-biased latch is pre-positioned to automatically engage with the body when the handle is moved to the closed position. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for additional operator steps to manually lock the handle, saving time while maintaining secure locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution eliminates the need for a manual latch locking step, ensures consistent operation, and enhances resistance to wear, abuse, corrosion, and temperature, maintaining secure chain engagement throughout the device's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

The latch is biased to the locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9242592B1Tensioner mechanism for tiedown assembly

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 PECK & HALE LLC

AI summary

An improved tensioner mechanism for a tiedown assembly, the mechanism including a handle latch which automatically locks the handle to the body of the mechanism once the handle is moved to the closed/engaged position. The handle latch provides enhanced resistance to environmental conditions, and improved positive locking capability.