Cable Crane Regenerative Winch for Remote Forestry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable crane systems in forestry operations face environmental pollution from internal combustion engines, inefficient use of potential energy during downhill transport, and impractical power supply options for electric motors due to remote and difficult locations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electric motor that operates as a generator during downhill transport to convert potential energy into electrical energy, using an energy storage device to power the motor uphill, and providing a battery management system for efficient energy use and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an internal combustion engine is used to drive the cable winch, then the carriage can be moved uphill, but significant pollutant and noise emissions occur, burdening the forest ecosystem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internal combustion engine (mechanical system) with an electric motor that operates as a generator during downhill transport. The electric motor converts the gravitational potential energy of the carriage into electrical energy, eliminating combustion-based emissions and noise while maintaining the capability to move the carriage uphill during subsequent operations.
2Ease of operation
If an internal combustion engine is used to drive the cable winch, then the carriage can be moved uphill, but high levels of noise emissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the noisy internal combustion engine with an electric motor-generator system. During downhill transport, the electric motor functions as a generator, converting mechanical energy from the descending carriage into electrical energy. This substitution eliminates the noise associated with combustion engines while preserving the ability to move the carriage uphill when energy is available.
3Reliability
If the potential energy of downhill transport is released through braking systems, then the carriage can be controlled during descent, but the energy is wasted as heat into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted potential energy into a useful resource. Instead of dissipating energy as heat through braking systems, the electric motor operates as a generator during downhill transport, converting the gravitational potential energy into electrical energy. This regenerative braking approach both controls the carriage descent and stores energy for subsequent uphill movement, transforming energy loss into energy gain.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If an electric motor is used to drive the cable winch, then pollutant and noise emissions are eliminated, but the motor requires a power supply that is impractical in remote forestry locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service energy system where the cable crane generates its own power during operation. The electric motor functions as a generator during downhill transport, converting the potential energy of the descending carriage into electrical energy that is stored in an energy storage device. This stored energy then powers the electric motor during subsequent uphill operations, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external power infrastructure in remote forestry locations.
5Duration of action of moving object
If a large battery is used to power the electric motor for multi-day logging operations, then continuous operation is possible, but the battery becomes prohibitively expensive and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a continuous energy cycle where the system generates power during downhill transport and stores it for uphill movement. The energy storage device is charged during each descent and discharged during subsequent ascents, enabling multi-day logging operations without requiring a prohibitively large battery. The continuous regeneration of energy during operation allows for extended operational duration with a manageable energy storage capacity.
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
The system effectively harnesses the potential energy of downhill transport to power the electric motor, reducing environmental impact and ensuring energy autonomy, with sufficient energy to charge external devices and vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one electric motor can be operated as a generator, wherein the at least one electric motor operated as a generator can be driven by a travel movement of the at least one carriage
Implementation Method 2
at least one energy storage device for supplying the at least one electric motor, wherein the at least one energy storage device can be charged via the at least one electric motor operated as a generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Cable crane system (1) comprising: - at least one carriage (100), - at least one support cable (2) on which the at least one carriage (100) is or can be arranged to be moved, - at least one traction cable (3) (circulating cable) which is arranged on the at least one carriage (100), and - at least one winch device (4) for moving the at least one carriage (100) by means of which the at least one traction cable (3) can be wound up and unwound, wherein the at least one winch device (4) comprises at least one electric motor (5) for operating the at least one winch device (4), and wherein the at least one electric motor (5) can be operated as a generator, wherein the at least one electric motor (5) operated as a generator can be driven by a movement of the at least one carriage (100).