Wormgear Strap Securement with Self-Locking Release Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing webbing securing systems are time-consuming and require manual effort, and incorrect placement can lead to false security, especially when securing elevated items, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A wormgear securement and release device with a rotatable shaft, integrated wormgear, and ratchet mechanism for quick and controlled tightening and release of webbing, ensuring secure and efficient item attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual webbing placement is used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but time consumption and labor effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The webbing strap is designed to be self-tensioning through the wormgear mechanism. When the shaft is rotated to tighten the strap, the wormgear automatically engages with the toothed gear and maintains tension through its self-locking property, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment or monitoring during the securing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual ratcheting process is replaced with a wormgear-driven mechanical system. The wormgear mechanism converts rotational motion of the shaft into linear tensioning of the webbing strap, providing automated tensioning control and significantly reducing the time and effort required compared to manual ratcheting operations.
2Device complexity
If manual securing process is used, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity and securing speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is segmented into distinct functional components: the wormgear mechanism for tensioning control, the toothed gear for motion transmission, the shaft for operational input, and the webbing strap for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability and ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including the rotatable shaft that converts rotational input into linear strap tensioning, and the wormgear mechanism that provides dynamic tension control with automatic self-locking. These dynamic components enable rapid adjustment and securing operations while maintaining security during the secured state.
3Ease of operation
If webbing is placed manually without proper guidance, then ease of initial placement is maintained, but safety and securing reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wormgear mechanism provides tactile feedback through its threaded engagement with the shaft, allowing the operator to feel when the webbing strap is properly tensioned and secured. The self-locking property of the wormgear also provides feedback by maintaining consistent tension without slack, enabling the operator to verify proper securing through physical sensation during the tightening process.
Solution Approach 2:
The toothed gear acts as an intermediary between the shaft and the webbing strap tensioning system. It translates the rotational motion of the shaft into controlled linear movement that tensions the strap uniformly, ensuring proper placement and distribution of force across the webbing and secured object.
4Productivity
If rapid release is implemented, then productivity for repositioning is improved, but control over release speed and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism utilizes the dynamic properties of the wormgear, which can be rapidly engaged and disengaged by reversing the shaft rotation direction. The self-locking feature maintains secure holding during operation, while the reversible nature of shaft rotation enables controlled release when needed, providing both speed and operator control.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing and release operations follow a periodic cycle: the shaft is rotated in one direction to tighten and secure the webbing strap, held in position by the self-locking wormgear, then rotated in the opposite direction to release. This periodic action enables rapid repositioning operations while maintaining safety during each phase of the cycle.
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
Facilitates rapid and secure attachment of webbing, reducing time and enhancing safety by allowing controlled release, particularly for elevated items.
Implementation Method 1
a wormgear integrated with the second toothed gear configured to control the release of the strap when the latch is opened
Implementation Method 2
a latch integrated with the first toothed gear to form a rachet mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of a wormgear securement and release device are described herein to include a device with a center shaft to hold a webbing/strap and an integrated wormgear to regulate the speed of the turning of the center shaft, thereby regulating the speed at which the webbing/strap releases the object that is strapped in. Optimally, a person would be able to use a length of conventional webbing to secure an item/object in a desired or required position.