Cable Winch Drive Unit Axial Split for Compact Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale cable winches for deep-sea applications face challenges in compact design due to excessive width and complexity in winding long cables, leading to collision issues and maintenance difficulties with external drive assemblies.
Innovation Solution
The motor and gear mechanism of the drive unit are split and arranged on opposite sides of the end disc, with the output wheel positioned between them, allowing for a more compact design that prevents excessive projection and facilitates easy assembly and maintenance by optimizing installation space and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the cable drum is made longer to control winding proportions for long cable lengths, then winding control is improved, but the cable winch width increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit components are arranged in the axial direction (along the cable drum length) rather than radially (outward from the drum), transforming the spatial arrangement from a radial layout to an axial layout. This dimensional change allows the cable drum to maintain sufficient length for proper winding control while preventing excessive radial projection that would increase the cable winch width and interfere with crane rotation.
2Ease of repair
If the drive assemblies are arranged externally in the vicinity of the periphery of the end discs, then ease of assembly and maintenance is improved, but the axial projection increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is segmented into distinct components (motor and gear mechanism) that are arranged separately along the axial direction. The motor is positioned at one axial end while the gear mechanism is positioned at the other axial end, with the output wheel connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be accessed and maintained independently while minimizing the overall axial projection of the drive unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit components are arranged in the axial direction rather than radially outward, changing the spatial dimension of the layout. This axial arrangement reduces the radial projection that would otherwise increase the cable winch width, while the segmented configuration along the axial direction maintains ease of assembly and maintenance access.
3Device complexity
If the motor and gear mechanism are arranged on the same side of the end disc, then device complexity is reduced, but accessibility for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is divided into separate motor and gear mechanism components positioned at opposite axial ends. This segmentation increases maintenance accessibility by allowing independent access to each component, while the overall configuration remains relatively simple and straightforward, balancing device complexity with maintenance ease.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cable winch, preferably a sprocket-type large cable winch for deep-sea applications, having a cable drum, the end faces of which are enclosed by end discs, and having at least one drive unit for driving the cable drum. The drive unit comprises a motor and a gear mechanism which on the output side drives an output wheel, said wheel being in engagement with a drive wheel, preferably in the form of a sprocket, provided on one of the end discs. According to the invention, the output wheel of the drive unit is arranged between motor and gear mechanism, and the motor and the gear mechanism extend towards different sides of the end disc.