Ratchet Mechanism: Inside the buckle, there is a ratcheting mechanism with teeth or gears.  When you pull the strap through the buckle and tighten it, these teeth grip the strap and prevent it from slipping back.

Pawl or Cam: The ratchet mechanism typically includes a pawl or cam that locks into the teeth or gears, preventing the strap from loosening unintentionally.  This pawl engages when you tighten the strap and disengages when you lift the release lever.

Strap: The strap is the part of the assembly that wraps around the cargo or object you want to secure.  It is usually made of sturdy, high-strength material, such as nylon or polyester webbing, designed to withstand the tension created by the ratchet.

Using a ratchet buckle involves the following steps:

Pass the strap through or around the item you want to secure.

Insert the loose end of the strap into the ratchet buckle and pull it through until you have the desired tension.

Operate the ratchet lever to tighten the strap further.  The ratcheting mechanism locks the strap in place, preventing it from loosening.

To release the strap, lift the release lever to disengage the ratchet mechanism, allowing you to remove or adjust the strap as needed.

Ratchet buckles offer a secure and efficient way to fasten cargo for transportation or to secure loads in various situations, making them a valuable tool in many industries and everyday activities.