Dual-Winch Relative Position Control Without External Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional winch control systems require design data or external positioning devices to determine the relative positions of winches, which is impractical and unnecessary for moving objects suspended by wires, as facility users often lack access to design data and positioning devices unrelated to the winches' function are not ideal.
Innovation Solution
A winch control system that includes a distance measurement unit to determine the winch-to-winch distance, a relative position determination unit to calculate the relative position of winches, and a winch control unit to control the unwinding and winding of wires based on calculated unwound lengths, allowing for precise movement of suspended objects without relying on external positioning data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If design data or external positioning devices are used to determine relative positions of winches, then position information accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system determines its own relative positions using its functional components (wire length measurement, motor rotation detection) rather than external positioning devices. The control unit calculates relative positions based on data already collected during normal winch operation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate positioning equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The winch system's existing components (wire, motor, control unit) are used for multiple purposes: both for their primary function of moving objects and for determining relative positions. The wire serves both as a mechanical element for suspension and as a measurement reference for distance calculation, eliminating the need for dedicated positioning devices.
2Measurement precision
If design data or external positioning devices are used to determine relative positions of winches, then position information accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines relative positions using its own operational data without requiring users to access design data or operate external positioning devices. The control unit performs calculations autonomously based on wire length measurements and motor rotation data collected during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes existing operational data (wire length, motor rotation) to derive relative position information. This intermediary function transforms data already collected for other purposes into position information, eliminating the need for users to directly use complex positioning devices or access design data.
3Device complexity
If the winch control system uses functional components for position determination, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system's existing components (wire, motor, control unit) are used for multiple purposes: both for their primary function of moving objects and for determining relative positions. The wire serves both as a mechanical element for suspension and as a measurement reference for distance calculation, eliminating the need for dedicated positioning devices while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from its own operational parameters (wire length changes, motor rotation amounts) to determine relative positions. The control unit continuously monitors these parameters and uses them to calculate position information, creating a self-referential measurement system that maintains accuracy without external devices.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
A winch control system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a distance measurement unit that measures a winch-to-winch distance between first and second winches based on the wound length of a second wire or the unwound length of a first wire when an object suspended through the first wire from the first winch and suspended through the second wire from the second winch is moved from the first winch to the second winch; and a relative position determination unit that determines the relative position of the second winch with respect to the first winch based on the winch-to-winch distance. The length of the first wire unwound from the first winch and the length of the second wire unwound from the second winch are calculated based on the relative position of the second winch with respect to the first winch and the target position of the object.