Winch Anchoring Assembly with Angled Spikes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring devices for vehicles lack a secure anchor point that effectively resists being pulled out of the ground when a winch is used to extract the vehicle from stuck situations.
Innovation Solution
A rack with a plurality of downwardly angled spikes and a dual engagement system, where the spikes penetrate the ground as the winch line pulls, providing resistance and a secondary anchoring line to inhibit movement, creating a secure anchor point for the winch to pull the vehicle out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple threaded anchor or single spike is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the anchor point deteriorates because it can be easily pulled out of the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device is segmented into multiple functional components: a rack structure with multiple spikes arranged in specific patterns, a prow for initial ground penetration, and a winch line engagement system. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to overall anchoring reliability while distributing the extraction forces across multiple contact points with the ground
Solution Approach 2:
The spikes are integrated into the rack structure in a nested arrangement where multiple spikes are coupled to different portions of the rack, creating a compact yet robust configuration. The prow is integrated into the forward end of the rack, and the engagement mechanism is nested within the overall structure, maximizing space utilization while maintaining structural integrity
2Force
If multiple spikes are added to increase resistance, then the resistance force improves, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance force is distributed across multiple spikes rather than relying on a single large anchor. Each spike contributes to the total resistance, and they are arranged in a pattern that maximizes their collective effectiveness while allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple spikes are merged into a single integrated rack structure that functions as one cohesive unit. The rack combines multiple spikes, the prow, and the engagement mechanism into a unified device that can be manufactured and deployed as a complete assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process despite the multiple components
3Reliability
If the spikes are oriented to angle forwardly, then the effectiveness of ground penetration improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spikes have different orientations and configurations depending on their location on the rack. The forwardly angled spikes at the prow provide optimized ground penetration, while spikes at different positions are angled to resist forces from various directions. This local variation in spike quality and orientation maximizes overall effectiveness while allowing each spike to be manufactured with standard precision
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 provides a secure and stable anchor point for winches to extract vehicles from stuck situations, ensuring effective resistance against being pulled out of the ground, facilitating safe and reliable recovery.
Implementation Method 1
The spikes sink into the ground when the winch line pulls on the rack thereby facilitating the rack to resist being pulled out of the ground
Implementation Method 2
Each of the spikes is oriented to angle forwardly toward the first engagement on the attachment portion. In this way the spikes sink into the ground when the winch line pulls on the first engagement thereby facilitating the rack to resist being pulled out of the ground
Data Source
AI summary
A winch anchoring assembly includes rack has an anchor portion and an attachment portion. The attachment portion has a first engagement that is attachable to a winch line of a vehicle. A plurality of spikes is coupled to and extends downwardly from a respective one of the anchor portion and the attachment portion of the rack. Each of the spikes is oriented to angle forwardly toward the first engagement on the attachment portion. In this way the spikes sink into the ground when the winch line pulls on the first engagement thereby facilitating the rack to resist being pulled out of the ground when the winch line is pulling the vehicle. A second engagement is coupled to the anchor portion of the rack and an anchoring line can attached to the second engagement thereby inhibiting movement of the rack when the which line pulls on the rack.