Portable DC Motor Tow Winch with Wireless Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered winches for sports are large and require heavy equipment for transportation, lacking portable and user-controlled speed and safety features, particularly for remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A DC motor-powered winch with a rechargeable battery, wireless throttle control, and a wireless kill switch integrated into a tow rope handle, along with a sensor switch and marker device to ensure safe operation, allowing the winch to be carried as a backpack and controlling rope retrieval speed and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional powered winches are used, then winching power and reliability are sufficient, but the winch size and weight become too large for individual transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional fuel-powered or AC electric mechanical system with a DC motor system powered by rechargeable batteries. This substitution enables the winch to be compact and portable while maintaining sufficient winching power for sports applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power source parameters from heavy fuel tanks or AC electrical systems to lightweight rechargeable battery systems. This parameter change allows the winch to achieve portable dimensions while delivering adequate power output for towing water skiers, snow skiers, and other water sports participants.
2Ease of operation
If manual control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but user control over acceleration and speed is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless throttle control system mounted on or incorporated into the tow rope handle as an intermediary between the user and the winch motor. This allows the user to control acceleration and speed remotely from the handle, providing intuitive control without adding significant complexity to the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements wireless communication between the handheld throttle control and the winch receiver, creating a feedback control loop. The user's throttle inputs are transmitted wirelessly to adjust motor speed and winching rate in real-time, enabling precise user control over the winching operation.
3Reliability
If no safety features are added, then device complexity remains low, but user safety during operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a wireless kill switch on the tow handle that allows the user to immediately stop the winching operation at any time. This preliminary safety mechanism prevents potential injuries by enabling rapid shutdown before hazardous conditions can develop, adding minimal complexity to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a sensor switch and marker device system that automatically detects when the majority of the tow rope has been retrieved and automatically ceases the winching operation. This self-service safety feature prevents over-retrieval injuries without requiring constant user monitoring, enhancing safety while adding only moderate system complexity.
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 a portable, user-controlled, and safe winching experience by allowing individual transport and automatic rope retrieval termination, preventing injury and facilitating remote use.
Implementation Method 1
DC motor-powered winch with a rechargeable battery, the DC motor driving rotating a winch reel or spool
Implementation Method 2
when a magnetic clutch is engaged
Data Source
AI summary
A tow winch powered by a DC motor and a rechargeable battery. A tow rope is wound by the winch spool, the tow rope having a tow handle with one or more wireless throttle control members to start, stop and adjust the speed and acceleration of the retrieval operation. A marker device is incorporated into or attached to the tow rope and a sensor switch is provided on the base, whereby when the marker device is detected by the sensor switch the winch is disengaged. The base and operational components are sized and structured such that straps may be connected to the base and the tow winch carried like a backpack.