Electric Winch Utility Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized winches for moving items are noisy, emit hazardous fumes, and require continuous operation, posing safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A powered winch utility comprising a main body with an electric motor, a controller, a bobbin, and a cable, where the electric motor is controlled by a remote and can coil or uncoil the cable, allowing for efficient and safe movement of items along a track section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a gasoline-powered motor is used for the winch, then the winch can provide sufficient power for heavy loads, but it emits hazardous fumes and creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This substitution eliminates the emission of hazardous fumes while maintaining the power output needed for heavy loads. The electric motor is contained within an enclosure that houses the motor, controller, and other components, providing a clean and safe operating environment.
2Power
If a gasoline-powered motor is used for the winch, then the winch can provide sufficient power for heavy loads, but it is noisy and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the noisy gasoline-powered internal combustion engine with a quiet electric motor. This substitution significantly reduces noise levels while maintaining the power output needed for heavy loads, creating a safer and more comfortable operating environment.
3Reliability
If continuous operation is required for the winch, then the winch can maintain position and control, but it reduces operational efficiency and increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using the winch only when needed to move items between locations, rather than requiring continuous operation. The winch operates intermittently - running when loading or unloading items, and remaining stationary otherwise. This approach maintains reliability by ensuring the winch is available when needed while significantly improving operational efficiency by eliminating unnecessary continuous operation and energy consumption.
4Speed
If the cable is kept taut for continuous operation, then the winch can respond quickly to operational changes, but it increases energy consumption and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by allowing the cable to go slack between operational cycles rather than maintaining constant tension. The cable is tensioned only during active operations when items are being moved, and relaxed during idle periods. This reduces energy consumption and wear on the cable and mechanical components while maintaining the ability to respond quickly when operational needs arise.
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 winch utility provides a quiet, fume-free, and efficient means of moving items, with the ability to auto-hone and adjust speed for varying loads, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor mounted to and contained within at least a portion of the shell
Data Source
AI summary
A winch utility includes a main body, the main body including a shell, the shell defining an enclosure; an electric motor mounted to and contained within at least a portion of the shell; a controller attached to an inner part of the shell and in electronic communication with the electric motor; and a bobbin coupled to the electric motor; and a cable coupled to the bobbin at a bobbin end, the cable defining a terminal end distal to the bobbin end, the cable arranged to be coiled around the bobbin by rotation of the electric motor, wherein the terminal end of the cable is arranged outside of the shell, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the electric motor.