Portable Winch with Segmented Battery for Vehicle Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle-mounted winches are permanently coupled and can only be used in conjunction with the vehicle, leading to limited mobility and potential battery drain issues during extended use, which can result in the vehicle becoming stranded due to reduced battery voltage.
Innovation Solution
A portable winch system with a frame, a power source, and an electric winch that can be mounted on a vehicle or a stay, featuring a jumper for independent power supply, a remote control, and quick disconnect connections, allowing for flexible use and reduced torque on the winch for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the winch is permanently coupled to the vehicle and hardwired to the vehicle's battery, then the winch can be powered continuously, but the vehicle battery voltage drops below starting requirements during extended use
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system is segmented into a portable winch unit with its own battery pack, separate from the vehicle's electrical system. This allows the winch to operate independently without draining the vehicle battery, resolving the contradiction between extended use duration and vehicle starting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source (battery pack) is extracted from the vehicle and integrated into the portable winch unit. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of battery drain on the vehicle while maintaining continuous winch operation capability.
2Reliability
If the winch is permanently coupled to the vehicle, then the winch is securely mounted, but the winch can only be used in conjunction with the vehicle, reducing mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system transitions from a static, permanently mounted configuration to a dynamic, portable configuration. The quick-connect mounting mechanisms allow the winch to be rapidly attached and detached from various surfaces (vehicle bumpers, trees, rocks), providing both secure mounting when attached and mobility when detached.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable winch unit is designed with universal mounting capabilities that work with multiple surfaces and configurations. The quick-connect mechanisms and adjustable mounting options enable the winch to be used with vehicles, trees, rocks, or other anchor points, greatly increasing adaptability while maintaining secure mounting through specialized connectors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the winch is made portable with a removable battery pack, then the winch can be used independently of the vehicle, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is segmented as a separate, removable component from the winch motor unit. This segmentation allows users to carry only the necessary components and simplifies charging and replacement operations, reducing the practical complexity despite adding portability features.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connections between the battery pack and winch motor are designed to be at equivalent potential levels, eliminating the need for complex voltage conversion or regulation circuits. This simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling independent operation.
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 portable winch system provides increased mobility and power management, enabling extended use without stranding the vehicle and reducing the risk of battery drain, while maintaining stability and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor coupled to the power source
Implementation Method 2
The power source may be a battery
Data Source
AI summary
A portable powered winch is provided suitable for coupling to a vehicle. The winch is comprised of a frame which mounts the winch and a housing. The housing houses a battery and mounts a control panel thereto. The frame has a mount for receiving a mounting tube of a vehicle, and is disconnectable when not desired for mounting and for use portably. A dolly may be included for transporting the winch.