Modular Cable Winch On-Site Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current winch technologies require complete dismantling for repairs, leading to increased repair time and costs, as faults can only be addressed at recognized repair companies, necessitating a solution for on-site module-level repairs and re-certification.
Innovation Solution
A modular cable winch design with individually removable and replaceable modules, including a central module, capstan drive module, rope winding module, load hook module, braking resistance module, and control module, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly using fastening devices, enabling on-site repair and re-certification without needing to dismantle the entire winch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire cable winch is dismantled for repair at a recognized repair shop, then the repair can be performed by experts with proper equipment, but the repair time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable winch is divided into modular components (capstan drive module, cable winding module, control module, etc.) that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows individual modules to be swapped out quickly on-site without dismantling the entire system, enabling rapid replacement of faulty components while maintaining repair quality through standardized modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables operators to perform maintenance and replacements themselves using the modular design and integrated diagnostics. The control module provides fault diagnostics that guide operators through the replacement process, allowing them to service the system without external expertise, thus reducing repair time while maintaining adequate repair quality for routine issues.
2Reliability
If the entire cable winch is sent to a customer service department for repair and re-certification, then proper re-certification can be obtained, but the aircraft or vehicle downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cable winch into replaceable modules, the system allows faulty components to be swapped on-site and the replaced modules to be sent for re-certification separately. This enables the aircraft or vehicle to remain operational with a replacement module while the original faulty module undergoes re-certification processes, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring proper re-certification.
Solution Approach 2:
Known-good replacement modules can be prepared in advance and kept as spares. When a fault occurs, the pre-prepared module can be immediately installed, minimizing downtime. The faulty module is then sent for re-certification, allowing the aircraft or vehicle to return to service quickly while maintaining reliability through proper certification of replacement components.
3Ease of repair
If modular design with individually removable modules is implemented, then on-site repair and reduced maintenance costs are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable winch is segmented into standardized modules with uniform connection interfaces and mounting mechanisms. This segmentation enables easy on-site repair by allowing individual modules to be quickly removed and replaced without complex disassembly procedures. The standardized nature of the modules reduces the complexity burden by providing consistent connection methods across all module types.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture uses universal connection interfaces and standardized mounting systems that work across different module types. This universality simplifies the overall system complexity by providing a common framework for all modules, making the modular design easier to understand and maintain while still enabling on-site repair capabilities.
4Loss of time
If integrated fault diagnostics are added to identify specific faulty modules, then only potentially faulty modules need to be replaced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors the status of each cable winch module and provides feedback through integrated fault diagnostics. When a fault occurs, the diagnostic system identifies the specific faulty module and communicates this information to the operator, enabling targeted replacement of only the defective component rather than requiring inspection or replacement of the entire system, thus reducing maintenance time with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a cable winch (100) for an aircraft or vehicle. The cable winch (100) has a central module (110), which can be or is attached to the aircraft or vehicle. The central module (110) is shaped in such a way that the central module can be or is mechanically connected to at least one further module (120, 130, 150, 160) of the cable winch (100) in a manually detachable manner by using at least one fastening device. The cable winch (100) also has a capstan drive module (120) for drawing a cable into the cable winch (100) and for letting the cable out of the cable winch (100). The capstan drive module (120) is shaped in such a way that the capstan drive module can be or is mechanically connected to the central module (110) in a manually detachable manner by using the at least one fastening device. The cable winch (100) also has a cable-winding module (130) for holding the cable by winding and unwinding the cable. The cable-winding module (130) is shaped in such a way that the cable-winding module can be or is mechanically connected to the central module (110) in a manually detachable manner by using the at least one fastening device.