Winch Line Retainer Strap for Synthetic Rope Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synthetic winch lines face issues such as susceptibility to chafing, heat damage, and failure due to inadequate attachment methods to winch drums, which can lead to premature weakening and melting, especially when exposed to high temperatures and abrasive interactions with metal thimbles and fairleads.
Innovation Solution
A synthetic winch line with an elastomeric-coated eye splice and a winch line retainer strap with retention loops is used, providing a secure attachment to the winch drum through a method that involves wrapping the line around the drum multiple times, ensuring a strong grip and preventing slippage, while the elastomeric coating and heat shield protect against abrasion and heat damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal thimbles are used to reinforce the eye and prevent pulling through, then the eye maintains its form and provides abrasion resistance, but the metal thimbles can damage the fairlead through abrasions, gouges, and burs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fairlead protection device as an intermediary component between the metal thimble and the fairlead. This protection device absorbs the harmful interactions (abrasions, gouges, burs) that would otherwise occur between the thimble and fairlead, allowing the metal thimble to maintain its structural function while preventing damage to the fairlead.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairlead protection device is installed in advance on the fairlead before the winch line with metal thimble is attached. This beforehand protection creates a cushioning layer that prevents direct contact between the metal thimble and the fairlead surface, anticipating and preventing potential damage before it occurs.
2Device complexity
If winch line is attached at a single point by set screw or hole insertion, then the attachment method is simple, but the winch line can pull out from under the set screw or out of the hole when too much line is played out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-point attachment (one-dimensional constraint) to multi-point attachment along the drum circumference (distributed constraint). By attaching the winch line at multiple points around the drum rather than at a single point, the system distributes the load and prevents the line from pulling out, even when extensive line is played out.
3Weight of moving object
If synthetic rope is used instead of steel cable, then the weight is reduced and strength under tension is increased, but the rope is more susceptible to chafing and heat damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies protective coatings and covers to the synthetic rope winch line before it is deployed. These protective layers are installed in advance to prevent chafing and heat damage during operation, cushioning the synthetic rope from harmful environmental factors it would otherwise be susceptible to.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines synthetic rope with protective coatings and covers to create a composite structure. The synthetic rope provides the core strength and light weight, while the protective coatings and covers add resistance to chafing and heat damage, creating a multi-layer composite system that combines the advantages of different materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A winch line retainer for attaching the winch line to a winch drum may be formed as a strap defining a first retention loop at a first lateral end of the strap, a second retention loop at a second lateral end of the strap, and a mid-section that connects the first retention loop and the first lateral end and the second retention loop at the second lateral end. A method for attaching a synthetic rope winch line to a winch drum using the winch line retainer is further disclosed.