Tie-down Device Speed-increasing Gearbox Winding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tie-down devices are either slow in winding straps due to cumbersome mechanisms or heavy and expensive due to large coil springs required for automatic winding.
Innovation Solution
A tie-down device incorporating a frame, reeling unit, driving unit, and a speed-increasing gearbox that uses a small, lightweight coil spring or motor to efficiently wind straps, with a gearbox design that allows the small spring or motor to effectively manage strap winding through a gear system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a large coil spring is used for automatic winding, then the strap can be wound automatically, but the device becomes heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gearbox as an intermediary mechanism between the small coil spring and the reel. The gearbox transmits and amplifies the rotational force from the spring to the reel, enabling automatic winding with a compact, lightweight spring instead of requiring a large spring directly connected to the reel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rotational speed parameter through the gearbox mechanism. The gearbox increases the rotational speed of the spring's output and transmits it to the reel at a higher speed, allowing the small spring to effectively wind the strap quickly despite its limited size and force
2Device complexity
If manual winding is used, then the device structure is simple, but the winding process is troublesome and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using the coil spring to automatically wind the strap onto the reel without requiring manual operation. The spring's stored energy is converted into rotational motion that automatically reels in the strap, eliminating the need for troublesome manual winding while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the simple spring mechanism and the winding function. It transforms the spring's linear expansion force into rotational motion at the reel, achieving fast automatic winding without complex mechanisms
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 enables a lightweight, cost-effective tie-down device that winds straps quickly and efficiently, reducing material usage and operational effort.
Implementation Method 1
The coil spring includes an end connected to the axle and another end connected to the reel. The coil spring is loaded as a strap is unwound from the reel. The strap can be wound onto the reel by the coil spring.
Implementation Method 2
The speed-increasing gearbox includes a first gear rotatably connected to the axle and a second gear meshed with the first gear and connected to the reel. The coil spring rotates the first gear, and the first gear rotates the second gear, thereby rotating the reel.
Data Source
AI summary
A tie-down device includes a frame, a strap, a reeling unit, a driving unit and a gear box. The frame includes two walls extending from a base. The reeling unit includes a reel rotationally supported on the walls for reeling the strap. The driving unit is supported on the first wall. The gearbox connects the driving unit to the reeling unit.