LCAC Cargo Restraint Gripping System

purpose of this project was to design a gripping system that would minimize the time required to load cargo on an LCAC, without a significant weight penalty. We designed and prototyped a system that is fast to attach: Each grip requires less than 30 second to install. The grip is self tightening: The crew simply installs the grip onto the load, presses a button and goes on to the next task. The grip achieves a predetermine load and stops without intervention. The grip is smart and features "under way self tensioning": It attains and adjust the tension on the load while underway without intervention. The grip is self-releasing and drops to the deck on remote command. It has built in health monitoring: It analyzes its own battery strength, corrosion build-up and reports its health. In addition, it alarms when critical components are in danger of failing. It is abuse proof and hardened and completely sealed at every opening. Finally, the grip is designed to fail safe. If motor does not start, the grip can be detached with a hammer tap while under load. Even without the motor, the grip can be operated with an electric impact wrench or by hand with a speed wrench.