Rope Grab Arrangement for Single-Operator Portable Winch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable winch systems for personnel lifting at heights often require a second operator for safe operation, limiting their use in scenarios like mountain climbing, rescue operations, and industrial tasks, and they are restricted by the type and length of ropes that can be used due to insufficient friction between the winch and the rope.
Innovation Solution
A rope grab arrangement with a circular design and a securing device featuring pins and a roller to increase friction, allowing the system to accommodate various rope types and diameters, and a motor-driven mechanism for single-operator operation, including a gear arrangement for enhanced torque and safety features like a self-locking worm drive and centrifugal clutch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional winch or hoist is used, then the system can lift personnel, but it requires at least a second person to operate or control the device
Solution Approach 1:
The rope grab arrangement enables the operator to control the system independently by directly manipulating the rope to engage and disengage the grab mechanism, eliminating the need for a second operator while maintaining safety through self-contained control functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional rope pulley is used, then the system can advance the climber, but the friction between the pulley and rope is insufficient for multiple rope types and diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The rope grab features a localized gripping mechanism with teeth or jagged edges that concentrate force at specific contact points on the rope, creating high friction in the engagement zone while maintaining overall system simplicity and compatibility with various rope types and diameters
3Length of moving object
If a winch with spool is used, then the system can hoist the load, but the length and weight of rope are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the spool mechanism from the system entirely, using a rope grab that clamps onto the rope directly without winding it around a drum, thereby eliminating the limitation on rope length and weight while reducing overall device complexity
4Ease of operation
If a hoist with compound pulleys is used, then the system can raise or lower individuals, but it must be suspended from a secure support point
Solution Approach 1:
The rope grab arrangement is designed to be self-supporting through the friction-based gripping mechanism that engages directly with the rope, eliminating the need for external support structures like tripods or beam suspensions and enabling truly portable 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
Enables single-operator control of the portable power-driven system with increased friction between the rope and the rope grab, expanding the range of usable ropes and enhancing safety by reducing the risk of accidents and equipment malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
the rope grab is configured to provide an increased friction between the rope grab and the rope
Implementation Method 2
a motor, such as for example an internal combustion motor or an electric battery powered motor
Implementation Method 3
safety features like a self-locking worm drive
Implementation Method 4
centrifugal clutch
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 1e~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rope grab arrangement comprising a rope grab [100] for advancing a rope [302], the rope grab arrangement being configured to provide an increased friction between the rope grab and the rope for allowing use of multitude of different types of ropes. The invention also relates to a portable power driven arrangement [300] comprising such a rope grab arrangement.