Trailer Tarp Sprocket Locking Teeth for Secure Crank Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer tarp systems lack efficient mechanisms for managing crank handles and securing the tarp in place, particularly during travel, leading to potential loss of control and exposure of contents to weather.
Innovation Solution
A sprocket mechanism with a transverse bore and spring-biased crank rod engagement, along with locking teeth and optional pawls, allows for bidirectional ratcheting and secure locking of the tarp shaft, facilitating easy deployment and stowage of the crank handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple crank mechanism is used for tarp management, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of securing the tarp during travel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the crank mechanism with a sprocket and locking mechanism into an integrated assembly. The crank rod engages with the sprocket, and the locking mechanism secures the sprocket to the tarp shaft, merging multiple functions (cranking, locking, and securing) into a single unified component system that maintains simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. The locking lever can be moved to engage or disengage the locking tooth from the sprocket, allowing the system to adapt between secured and operational states. This dynamic capability ensures reliable securing during travel while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If the crank handle is always deployed for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability during travel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The crank handle system transitions between deployed and stowed positions dynamically. The spring-biased crank rod can be positioned in a deployed state for easy operation during tarp management, then moved to a stowed position that is locked in place by the locking mechanism, ensuring stability during travel. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize for either operation or stability as needed.
3Reliability
If locking teeth are added to prevent rotation, then the reliability of tarp positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct components: a locking lever, a locking tooth on the sprocket, and a spring-biased crank rod with pins. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to provide reliable positioning. The locking lever can engage or disengage the locking tooth, providing controlled locking action without requiring a complex overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tooth acts as an intermediary element between the sprocket and the locking lever. This simple geometric feature provides the critical locking function without requiring complex mechanisms. The locking lever interacts with the locking tooth to prevent rotation, and the spring-biased crank rod with its pins provides the actuation mechanism, creating a simple yet effective intermediary locking system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional ratcheting is implemented, then the versatility of the mechanism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratcheting mechanism operates dynamically by allowing the crank rod to rotate in one direction (unwinding the tarp) while preventing reverse rotation through the locking mechanism. The spring-biased crank rod with pins engages with the locking tooth to prevent backward movement, creating a dynamic one-way ratcheting action that provides versatility without requiring complex bidirectional control systems.
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 sprocket mechanism provides secure tarp management, ensuring the tarp remains locked in position during travel while allowing easy operation and reducing manual effort, thus protecting contents from weather exposure.
Implementation Method 1
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
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.