Boat Anchor Winch Boost Controller for Rapid Lowering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically powered boat anchor winches take longer to deploy the anchor compared to manual winches due to slower safe speeds for raising, and prior solutions like clutch release mechanisms are costly, complex, and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A boost controller is added to a simple one-speed electric winch to apply a boosted voltage higher than the supply voltage when lowering the anchor, increasing motor speed without mechanical modifications, using a boost converter and motor speed controller with user-adjustable settings and a soft start circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple one-speed DC electric motor is used for the winch, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the anchor lowering speed becomes too slow for practical use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage supplied to the motor variable rather than fixed. A boost converter dynamically adjusts the voltage from the 12V battery to a higher level (up to 24V or more) specifically during anchor lowering operation. This dynamic voltage adjustment allows the motor to operate at different speeds depending on the operational phase, achieving fast lowering without requiring a complex multi-speed mechanical transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (voltage) supplied to the motor to resolve the speed limitation. By using a boost converter to increase the voltage from 12V to a higher level during lowering operations, the motor's rotational speed increases proportionally. This parameter change approach allows a simple single-speed motor to effectively achieve variable speed performance, solving the contradiction between simplicity and speed.
2Speed
If a clutch release mechanism is added to allow rapid anchor lowering, then the anchor lowering speed is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical clutch release mechanism with an electrical control system. Instead of using mechanical disengagement to achieve rapid lowering, the invention uses a boost converter to provide elevated voltage to the motor, allowing it to spin faster while remaining electrically controlled. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components like clutches, springs, and disengagement mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the same functional outcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The boost converter acts as an intermediary device between the 12V battery and the motor. It transforms the electrical characteristics of the power supply to match the motor's requirements for rapid lowering operation. This intermediary electrical component replaces the need for mechanical intermediaries like clutches, providing a cleaner and more reliable solution for achieving high-speed lowering.
3Speed
If the motor operates at higher voltage during anchor lowering, then the anchor lowering speed is improved, but the power consumption and stress on the motor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using the boost converter only during specific operational phases (anchor lowering) rather than continuously. The controller activates the boost converter when lowering is detected and deactivates it during raising or idle conditions. This periodic application of high voltage reduces overall energy consumption while still providing the high-speed performance needed during critical lowering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by applying excessive voltage (above the motor's rated voltage) only for the specific purpose of rapid lowering. During normal raising operations, the motor operates at its rated 12V. This partial application of excessive voltage limits the increased power consumption to only the necessary duration and function, balancing performance requirements with energy conservation.
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
Enables rapid and reliable anchor lowering, similar to clutch functionality without added complexity or cost, by allowing the electric motor to operate at a higher voltage when lowering the anchor, improving efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a boost controller for applying a boosted voltage higher than the supply voltage to the motor so as to increase a turning speed of the motor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a winch and method for raising and lowering a boat anchor attached to an anchor rope, comprising: an electric motor (10) operable to turn the winch in a rope raising direction or a rope lowering direction and powered from a power source supplying a supply voltage; and a boost controller (CB1-3,S1-2,K1-6,Kx1-4,25,30) for applying a boosted voltage higher than the supply voltage to the motor (10) so as to increase a turning speed of the motor when the motor is operating in the rope lowering direction.