Power Tool Adapter for Winch Strap Spool Hub

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing winch strap winding devices are inefficient, posing safety risks and productivity issues due to manual operation, limited compatibility with power tools, and inadequate connection with the receiving hub, leading to repetitive motion injuries and reduced longevity of winch straps.

Innovation Solution

A power tool-compatible apparatus with a secure connection to the winch strap spool hub, utilizing a clevis and engagement plates for firm attachment, allowing use with impact wrenches and power drills, and a detachable winding assembly for convenient strap removal and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual rolling of winch straps is used, then operator control is maintained, but operator safety deteriorates and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator controlVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical rolling with a power-driven winding mechanism. The power-driven tool (impact wrench or drill) provides automated rotational force through the adapter assembly, eliminating manual hand rolling while maintaining operator control through tool operation. This substitution resolves the safety issue by removing hands from direct contact with sharp strap edges and rotating components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter assembly serves as an intermediary between the power tool and the spool hub. It includes engagement plates with lobes that interface with the hub's cavities, providing secure mechanical connection. This intermediary mechanism allows power-driven operation while ensuring reliable force transmission and operator safety through controlled engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If power-driven winding is implemented, then productivity increases, but compatibility with different power tools deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewinding speedVSAvoidpower tool compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter assembly is designed with universal compatibility features. The outer engagement plate includes a square opening that accommodates both impact wrench square drives and drill adapters. The inner engagement plate with lobes interfaces with various spool hub configurations. This multi-functional design enables the same adapter to work with different power tool types while maintaining high winding speed productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If secure connection with spool hub is established, then operator safety improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidadapter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: an outer engagement plate with square opening for power tool attachment, an inner engagement plate with lobes for hub connection, and a central body. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall connection security. The modular structure actually reduces complexity compared to a monolithic design by separating concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual strap removal is required, then strap storage is enabled, but operator exposure to contaminants increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap removal capabilityVSAvoidoperator exposure to dirt and mud

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power-driven winding mechanism replaces manual strap handling for both winding and unwinding operations. The operator controls the power tool to automatically unwind the strap from the spool, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of dirty straps. This substitution protects the operator from exposure to contaminants while maintaining the ability to remove straps for storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9915290B2Tool attachment for power-driven winding of winch straps

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 WILKINSON STEVEN REESE

AI summary

An apparatus used for winding or unwinding winch straps includes a clevis, a first engagement plate, and a second engagement plate. Both the first engagement plate and the second engagement plate contain a lobe, a lug, an oblong body, and a plate pinhole which are rotatably connected to the clevis with a plate retaining pin which traverses through the plate pinhole. When in use, a power tool is attached to a tool-receiving slot, which is integrated into a structural body of the clevis. Next, the lobe of the first engagement plate and the second engagement plate establishes a connection with the spool hub the apparatus is being used on. Simultaneously, the lug of the first engagement plate and the second engagement plate are pressed against the spool hub. Therefore, the force is transferred from the power tool to the spool via the introduced apparatus.