Forestry Winch Ejector for Synthetic Rope

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing forestry winches with steel rope ejectors are not suitable for synthetic ropes, as they are designed for round, non-deformable steel ropes and cannot effectively handle flexible, deformable synthetic ropes without causing damage.

Innovation Solution

The cantilever arm axis of rotation is oriented vertically above the line of tangential force application, allowing a torque to enhance the pressure roller's pressing action, combined with a rubberized pressure roller and specific lever arm ratios to transmit high forces to the synthetic rope while protecting it, and an entrainment mechanism for secure drive with low wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a steel rope ejector is used with a synthetic rope, then the existing ejector structure can be utilized, but the synthetic rope cannot be effectively handled without causing damage due to its flexibility and deformability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejector compatibilityVSAvoidrope damage protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the ejector system by repositioning the cantilever arm axis of rotation to a specific location above the line of tangential force application. This parameter change creates a torque-enhanced pressing mechanism that adapts the rigid ejector structure to handle the flexible synthetic rope without causing damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure roller is equipped with a rubberized outside circumferential surface, creating a composite structure that combines the mechanical strength of the roller with the compliant, rope-friendly properties of rubber. This composite material approach allows the ejector to effectively grip and guide the synthetic rope without causing damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Force

If the cantilever arm axis of rotation is positioned to enable torque enhancement, then high forces can be transmitted to the synthetic rope, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmissionVSAvoidejector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-reinforcing mechanism where the tangential force between the driven pressure roller and the rope automatically generates an additional torque around the cantilever arm axis. This self-service torque enhancement eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, achieving high force transmission through the rope's own operational forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Force

If a driven pressure roller is used to press the rope onto the ejector roller, then appropriate forces can be applied to the synthetic rope, but wear on the rope and components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressing forceVSAvoidwear

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rubberized outside circumferential surface on the pressure roller acts as an intermediary between the mechanical drive system and the synthetic rope. This rubber layer provides the necessary friction and gripping force while being gentle on the rope surface, significantly reducing wear on both the rope and the roller components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration enables efficient and damage-free ejection of synthetic ropes with reduced operator effort, ensuring correct spooling and unspooling with minimal wear on the rope and components.

Implementation Method 1

a tangential force occurs between the driven pressure roller and the rope

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the pressure roller, by means of a pressure force, presses the rope guided over the ejector roller onto the ejector roller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the cantilever arm axis of rotation is oriented in the vertical direction above a line of application of the tangential force... the tangential force around the cantilever arm axis of rotation generates a torque with which the pressure roller, in addition to the pressure force, presses the rope onto the ejector roller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS20240425331A1Ejector and a Rope for a Forestry Winch

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 WELSCHOF BERNWARD

AI summary

An arrangement includes an ejector and a rope, in particular steel rope or synthetic rope, for a forestry winch. The ejector has a rotational ejector roller over which the rope is guided and deflected, and at least one driven rotational pressure roller driven by a drive motor. The pressure roller, by a pressure force, presses the rope guided over the ejector roller onto the ejector roller, and a tangential force occurs between the driven pressure roller and the rope. The pressure roller is located on a cantilever arm so that the pressure roller can rotate around a pressure roller axis of rotation. The cantilever arm is mounted so that it can rotate around a cantilever arm axis of rotation. The cantilever arm axis of rotation is located in the vertical direction above a line of application of the tangential force.