Winch Crank Locking Head for One-Hand Secure Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing winch crank arrangements suffer from unintentional release or detachment from the winch socket, requiring complex locking mechanisms that are cumbersome, ergonomically poor, and prone to wear and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A crank arrangement with a rotational locking mechanism that includes hinged lever arms and an actuator element, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement with a winch socket using a one-hand grip mechanism, while preventing accidental removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintentional release, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the natural gripping motion of the user's hand. When the user grips the crank arm, the movement directly actuates the locking elements without requiring separate controls or complex actuation systems. This self-service approach provides reliable locking while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate mechanism from the main crank structure. The locking elements (locking arms and locking surfaces) are distinct components that can be independently designed and manufactured, allowing the locking mechanism to be added without significantly complicating the overall device while still providing robust prevention of unintentional release.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to prevent unintentional release, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions dynamically between locked and unlocked states based on the user's gripping motion. The locking elements are positioned and dimensioned so that natural hand movement during engagement automatically actuates the locking function, making operation intuitive and easy while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are pre-positioned on the locking arms such that the locking action occurs automatically during the engagement process itself, before the crank is fully inserted. This preliminary locking action ensures reliability without requiring additional steps or complex controls, maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then reliability is improved, but susceptibility to wear and corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are designed as simple, robust components that can be easily replaced if worn or corroded. The straightforward geometry and material selection allow for economical replacement parts, ensuring that even if wear or corrosion occurs, the locking functionality can be restored quickly and cheaply, maintaining high reliability over the product lifecycle.
4Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated with the crank arm and receiving cavity structure. The locking arms are part of the crank assembly, and the locking surfaces are formed on existing structural elements, merging the locking function with the basic components rather than adding entirely separate systems. This reduces overall device complexity while providing secure engagement.
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 robust, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant locking mechanism that allows fast and secure operation of the winch handle, preventing accidental release and enhancing ergonomic usability.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating element is spring loaded, i.e. there is a spring element arranged to act on the actuating element in a direction towards the blocking position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a crank arrangement (100) for operating e.g. a winch comprising an elongate crank arm (10), a hollow driving head (29) comprising an external engagement profile, a handle part (40) and a locking plate (25) arranged at an outer end of an actuator element rotatably taken up within the hollow driving head (29). Hinged lever arms (11A,11B) extend in parallel on external opposite side walls of the crank arm (10) and comprise protruding means (18A,18B) for, when at least one hinged lever arm (11A,11B) is gripped, actuating upon the actuator element rotationally connected to the locking plate (25) such that the locking plate (25) will perform a rotational movement to assume a first position in which the locking plate (25) is aligned with the engagement profile of the driving head (29), whereas when the at least one hinged lever arm (11A,11B) is released, the locking plate (25) will be rotated to assume a second, locking, position in which it is misaligned with the engagement profile (30) of the driving head (29), means limiting the rotational movement of the actuator element being provided. The locking plate (25) can be rotated to assume the first position via a one-hand grip.